Meet the rare baby penguin hand-reared at Birdland

The first King Penguin to be born in England for seven years has been introduced to its penguin family. “Big Chick” hatched in September, and keepers at Birdland Park & Gardens have been hand-rearing the baby bird to make sure it was healthy and happy.

Keepers hand-reared "Big Chick" until he was old enough to live with his family Credit: Birdland Park & Gardens

But now "Big Chick" has been reunited with its family—with mum, gran and Uncle Norman all on hand to welcome it home.

You can watch this pint-sized penguin’s journey from hatchling to happy-families below:

As the only group of King Penguins in the country, each new arrival at Birdland is very precious. Hand-rearing means chicks are more likely to survive into adulthood.

The King Penguin is the second largest penguin species in the world, and can reach a statuesque two feet tall. “Big Chick” has a long way to go before then, but Head Keeper Alistair Keen is pleased with the baby bird’s progress.

He or she will have to wait a while before getting a proper name however—keepers will be unable to find out the penguin’s gender for another six months.

Proud parents Lily and Frank Credit: Birdland Park & Gardens

 

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