Penguin chick hatches at the Akron Zoo

October 14, 2012

 

An endangered Humboldt penguin was born at the Akron Zoo July 8. The chick, a male, has been named Pedro, which means rock in Spanish. Pedro has been in a burrow since he was born but is now emerging and coming out onto exhibit at the zoo's Penguin Point.

Pedro's name is significant because penguins build their nests out of rocks. Pedro is still not able to eat on his own so his parents are still feeding him. The parents are fed four times a day, twice as much as the other penguins at the Akron Zoo. They are fed two varieties of fish, which include capelin and smelt. The parents feed the penguin chicks by eating first and then regurgitating the food into the chick's mouth. Pedro should start eating on his own in a couple of weeks.

This is the second penguin chick born at the Akron Zoo this year. On April 8, Antia was born at the Akron Zoo.

Humboldt penguins are warm climate penguins, unlike their Antarctic relatives. They are commonly found in more temperate climates like Peru and Chile. The Humboldt penguin is currently an endangered species primarily due to commercial harvesting of guano for agricultural fertilizer.

Without nesting locations, Humboldt penguins are in serious danger of extinction. Some estimates indicate the possibility of extinction in the wild within 10 years. The Akron Zoo is proud to have these penguins as part of the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, SSP's are a proactive approach to preventing extinction. SSP's were formed back in 1981 to help ensure the survival of endangered species. SSP's are managed by the AZA, of which the Akron Zoo is an accredited member.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2 through 14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.

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