Zoo hand-rears endangered rockhopper penguin chick

At Whipsnade Zoo, a dedicated team of zookeepers has taken on the important task of hand-rearing a northern rockhopper penguin chick, affectionately named Noisy. This chick is part of a breeding program aimed at protecting endangered species. Noisy earned its name due to its constant chirping whenever the zookeepers approach, showcasing its lively personality. Given the low survival rates of previous penguin eggs, the zookeepers made the decision to place Noisy in an incubator. This allowed the penguin parents to remain with a dummy egg, enabling them to continue practicing their nesting behaviors without the stress of losing their real egg. Tim Savage, the section manager of birds at Whipsnade Zoo, emphasized the significance of contributing to the European breeding program. He stated, 'As wild populations have sadly declined by more than 57% in the last 27 years, contributing to the European breeding program to create a healthy and genetically diverse backup population in conservation zoos is vital. ' Whipsnade Zoo is one of only seven zoos in Europe that cares for this rare subspecies, making their efforts even more crucial. The zookeepers are monitoring Noisy around the clock to ensure it has the best chance of survival. To feed Noisy, the zookeepers prepare a special 'milkshake' that mimics the regurgitated food that penguin parents would typically provide. This milkshake consists of blended sprats, vitamins, and a saline solution, which Noisy eagerly consumes. Rockhopper penguins are easily recognizable due to their distinctive spiky yellow eyebrows and black feathers that frame their faces. They are native to the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, but they can also be found as far north as South Africa and South America. Since there are no visible differences between male and female rockhopper penguins, the sex of Noisy will be determined through DNA analysis when it reaches two months of age. The zookeepers are excited to see how Noisy develops and are committed to supporting the conservation of this remarkable species.