Two Rare Warm Climate Humboldt Penguins Hatched at Akron Zoo
By David BarnhardtAkron, OH - – The Akron Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of two endangered Humboldt Penguins. The first chick was born on January 8, 2011 and the second one arrived January 11, 2011. With the births the Zoo now has 19 Humboldt penguins.
The chicks are currently in a burrow indoors with their parents, Carlos & Penya. The chicks will not emerge from the burrows to the public side of the exhibit until early spring. They currently weigh about two pounds. The chicks are not able to eat on their own yet so the parents are still feeding them. 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. The penguin chicks should start eating on their own in a couple of weeks.
The Humboldt penguin is currently an endangered species. This is due primarily to commercial harvesting of guano for agricultural fertilizer. Without nesting locations, the Humboldt penguins are in serious danger of extinction. Some estimates indicate the possibility of extinction in the wild in the next 10 years. The Akron Zoo houses 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.
Humboldt penguins are warm climate penguins, unlike their Antarctic relatives. They are commonly found in more temperate climates like Peru and Chile.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours, through April, are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6.00 per person. The parking fee is $2.00. Starting May 1, hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $6 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
To view Akron Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-165-Akron_Zoo_in_Ohio
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