Rare Penguin Chick Saved by Pueblo Zoo

Updated: 7:39 PM Apr 8, 2010 Rare Penguin Chick Saved by Pueblo Zoo A baby Penguin had to be assisted out of its egg at the Pueblo Zoo. The chicks parents could not care of the rare African Penguin. So surrogate parents were found at the Denver Zoo and the chick is now doing well. Posted: 11:32 AM Apr 8, 2010 Click here to PLAY VIDEO: Rare Penguin Chick Saved by Pueblo Zoo

Quick thinking and action by staff at the Pueblo Zoo and Denver zoo probably saved the life of an African penguin chick.

On March 20, four days past its due date, the chick was assisted with emerging from its shell by Pueblo Zoo Animal Care Coordinator Melanie Pococke. Pococke then sought help from Denver Zoo staff in caring for the tiny bird. The hatchling’s biological parents at Pueblo Zoo were unable to care for it. 

Zookeepers from each zoo met halfway to bring the chick to Denver Zoo where it was placed under the care of experienced parents. The chick’s surrogate parents are now taking excellent care of their adopted youngster.

“It has been a great collaboration. We are fortunate to have such a strong network of experienced bird caretakers within our Colorado Zoos,” says Pococke.”

Zookeepers always prefer animals to be raised by their parents or other animals parents of the same species. This helps ensure they have the skills to raise their own young. 

The chick will continue to be cared for by the surrogate parents for about 3 months while the chick is covered in soft insulating feathers. During this time it is not visible to the public. 

African Penguins are found in southern Africa. Although most people associate penguins with frigid temperatures, African penguins enjoy warmer weather.

They grow to more than two-feet-tall and can weigh around 10 pounds. Their black and white patterns are unique to each penguin, like fingerprints on humans. 

The African penguin is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. They nearly faced extinction because their eggs were harvested for food and their droppings, guano, is often used by humans for fertilizer.

They have also been subjected to oil spills from tankers rounding the South African coastline.

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