Humboldt Penguin Chick Born At Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD, IL — A Humboldt penguin chick that hatched on Feb. 12 at Brookfield Zoo is thriving, and in the near future, may be taking on an important role. The zoo said as early as this May, and depending on whether he chooses to participate, the unnamed chick will be an animal ambassador for the zoo’s Penguin Encounters.

The zoo said the chick is currently being handreared by animal care staff, and is being carefully monitored. He is weighed three times a day—once each morning to determine how much it gained over a 24-hour period, as well as after each feeding to calculate how much of its diet of herring and marine smelt he consumed.

The chick will molt from his down feathers into juvenile plumage by 2 months of age, at which time he will be introduced to a shallow pool of water. According to the zoo, adult plumage will not be present until about 2 years old. In addition to possibly being an integral member of the Penguin Encounters, the chick will be introduced to and reside in the Humboldt penguin colony in the rocky shores habitat at Brookfield Zoo’s Living Coast.

The zoo said a Penguin Encounter begins with a member of the animal care staff sharing fun facts about the zoo’s resident Humboldt penguins and communicating how to safely interact with the penguin during the session. During the program, penguins are free to roam and waddle up to anyone they choose – and while one animal may be camera-shy, another individual may enjoy a good selfie or two. Penguin Encounters, which cost $40 per person, are offered year-round.

Photos provided by Chicago Zoological Society.