Proud dads hatch their chick

Proud dads hatch their chick
Picture: ALAN EASON

PLAYING IT COOL: The young penguin that was born at the East London Aquarium swims in the enclosure.

2009/12/14

A BABY penguin born five months ago after it was incubated by two “gay” penguins at the East London Aquarium is healthy and growing bigger by the day.

The young penguin’s sex is not yet known as blood tests are still going to be conducted.

“We will wait for two months before we take it with others for blood tests,” said Buffalo City Municipality chief marine services officer Siani Tinley.

The foster parents, Molly – who was originally thought to be female – and Guido, became a couple back in February last year.

Tinley said the baby weighs 3.15kg. It is very independent. Normally they go after their parents for food, but the baby ate its first fish by itself last month,” said Tinley. Usually, after parents have stopped feeding their offspring, aquarium staff still have to feed them – but no need with this one.

The baby does not have a name yet but it has been adopted by Linda Herman, who adopted Molly last year. “I have two names ready ,” said Herman. If it’s a boy it will be Ryan, and if a girl, Zoe.

When the Dispatch dropped in at the aquarium yesterday, the young penguin was enjoying a swim with the other s .

The colony is thriving again after someone broke into the facility in 2001, lowering the number from 21 to 12. There are 35 penguins now. — By XOLISA MGWATYU, xolisani@dispatch.co.za

Source