Two rare Gentoo penguins which recently hatched at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham are preparing to take their first swimming lessons - with the aid of a special pool introduced by helpful staff.
The youngsters are being supported by their parents and penguin specialists at the aquarium in a bid to get them used to the water before they take the plunge in the main pool.
Whilst reluctant at first, the chicks are progressing well and will soon learn how to slip and slide, dive and glide their way through the icy depths under the watchful eyes of Mum and Dad, one of which is bound to have said “it’s fine once you’re in!”.
The rare pair are the first to hatch at the centre as part of a global breeding programme after Gentoo penguin numbers declined rapidly. Their parents crossed continents to conceive, coming all the way to Birmingham from as far as Canada, New Zealand and Billund in Denmark.
Hayley Roberts, penguin specialist at the National Sea Life Centre, said: “As the first chicks to hatch here as part of the breed, rescue, protect programme, we’re making sure we do everything we can to help with their development. We’ve introduced a special pool away from the main exhibit as a stepping stone and the parents, as well as many of the other penguins, are all chipping in to ease the pair towards taking the plunge. This is a really important moment for them and we’re really encouraged by their progress. It won’t be long until they’re whizzing through the water at full pelt.”
