(Pic: Jay Town, Herald Sun)
Melbourne Aquarium is celebrating an extra pair of happy feet, with the arrival of its second sub-Antarctic King Penguin chick.
The second King Penguin to ever be born in Australia arrived in the early hours of Saturday 16 February weighing just 351 grams, to proud parents Ernie (female) and Skipper.
“The successful arrival of our second King Penguin chick is direct result of the hard work and dedication of Melbourne Aquarium staff,” said Bird Manager, Sarina Walsh.
“It is also testament to the health, welfare and comfort of the penguins within their state-of-the-art exhibit.”
The precious little hatchling joins its cousin in the exhibit, nearly one month old, now weighing a strong and healthy 1834 grams.
Still to determine the gender, Australia’s first King Penguin chick has begun testing its happy feet, venturing out to take its first steps. Under the protective watch of parents Billy (female) and Blake, the curious chick looked apprehensive as it explored the Antarctica exhibit for the first time.
The successful King Penguin breeding program joins the Gentoo penguin and the Weedy seadragon breeding programs, both amongst the most successful in the world.