April 05, 2011 1:50 PM
There's a good reason the macaronis and gentoos are so popular. They're always diving and swimming and jumping. But there's something else going on at the Rock this month. It's mating season. "Oh it can happen anytime at all," says zookeeper Amy Graves.
Keepers hauled in 1,200 pounds of rocks. One by one those rocks were carried, mostly by the males, to different spots and turned into nests. Now it's just up to nature. Maybe that's why Paulie and Sweet Pea turned their backs to the crowd. Perhaps for a little private time. Of course that's easier said than done in front of a glass window and a glaring audience. "It's not anything bad," says Graves. "It's nature and that's how animals reproduce. It's great."
Of course it can lead to some awkward conversations and questions from kids. Crowds are especially big this time of year because of Spring Break. But caretakers encourage adults to tell the truth. "I don't think there's anything wrong with just being honest and saying this is how it happens," explains Graves.
So far this year, the macaronis have been the most vocal. And unlike past years, they are taking longer to find their mates and the females are being more aggressive. The gentoos will get in the swing of things later in the season.
And what might make parents a little uncomfortable, actually makes zookeepers feel better about the job they're doing. "If they're willing to copulate or if they're willing to act naturally in the exhibit that's a great sign that they're comfortable with the exhibit," says Graves. "They're at ease."
Breeding season runs through late summer and has been quite successful the past few years. Two females chicks, named Pepper and Shivers, have survived and are now thriving in the colony.
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