China's first test-tube emperor penguin is in 'good health'

Happy feet: China's first test-tube emperor penguin snuggles up to its mother at the Laohutan Ocean Park in the north-east city of Dalian.

China's first test-tube emperor penguin is in good health (Pic: Rex)

 

The chick was artificially inseminated and born a month ago after 66 days of incubation, which included 5 days in an artificial incubator when the adult penguins left the egg.


It is in 'good health', according to China's National Bureau of Oceanography.

Emperor Penguins were first brought to China in 2008 from their native Antarctic home, and the marine park they now occupy has had an artificial polar environment specially constructed.


The species - largest by weight and height of all penguin species - is under threat from global warming, according to a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study in 2009, which estimated that extinction could be a possibility by the end of this century.

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