New Life at Ross Park Zoo: Introducing Parker and Morgan, the African Penguin Chicks

Two adorable African penguin chicks have recently hatched at the Ross Park Zoo, bringing joy and hope to both the zoo's staff and animal enthusiasts. This event holds significant importance as it not only expands the zoo’s colony but also highlights the conservation challenges faced by African penguins, a species now critically endangered due to human activities such as habitat loss and overfishing.
The names of the chicks, Parker and Morgan, were inspired by the roads that run adjacent to the zoo. Hatched on March 23 and March 26, respectively, these two chicks have become symbols of resilience and success in a habitat where their wild counterparts number a mere 13,000 in the wild.
In an exclusive statement, Sara Welge, the Animal Care Manager at Ross Park Zoo, pointed out the unprecedented nature of this event. She noted that African penguins generally lay two eggs, but for first-time parents, handling two chicks can be daunting. Thus, in a heartwarming twist of fate, the second chick was placed with experienced foster parents Howard and Adasha, who quickly took to their new role. "They are doing a fabulous job fostering the chick," said Welge, adding that fostering is common in both wild and human care for African penguins.

The process involved in naming Parker and Morgan reflects the scientific care given to these penguins. Unlike many other birds, the sex of penguins is not visually distinguishable; hence, a blood test was conducted to confirm their genders. With Parker confirmed as male and Morgan as female, their presence will serve as important ambassadors for their species, drawing attention to the serious conservation efforts required to protect them.
As these chicks continue to grow, they will eventually join their adult colony outside, a significant milestone anticipated by zoo visitors. However, they must first desarrollo waterproof feathers and receive necessary vaccinations. Welge mentioned that while Broome County's climate might seem unsuitable for penguins, the spring and summer temperatures suit them well, flourishing in environments between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The arrival of Parker and Morgan comes as a beacon of hope in a time when the African penguin population is rapidly decreasing. The adoption of conservation strategies is ever more crucial, and local organizations are stepping up by promoting initiatives like Seafood Watch, which educates consumers about sustainable fishing practices—directly impacting penguin habitats.
As we prepare to welcome Parker and Morgan into the public viewing area later this summer, one can’t help but wonder: what can we do to further aid in the conservation of such spectacular creatures? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the importance of preserving wildlife for future generations. Let's make an impact together!

• African Penguin
• conservation
• Ross Park Zoo