A rare king penguin chick has hatched at Pairi Daiza zoo, marking a significant milestone for the park.
The baby penguin, along with its parents, Rose and Wilson, is in excellent health, the zoo announced on Monday. Officials described the event as the result of “more than two months of patience and incubation." According to a press release, this is the first time in the park’s history that a healthy king penguin chick has hatched.
Currently nestled between its parents’ feet, the chick is receiving constant care and protection, yet remains out of sight from visitors for now. The sex of the chick has not yet been determined; a DNA test on its feathers will provide clarity in the near future.
This marks only the second successful hatching of a king penguin chick at Pairi Daiza. However, it is the first time that a chick has emerged from its egg without human assistance.
The reproductive cycle of a king penguin lasts 14 to 15 months, meaning the species can only breed approximately twice every three years. At Pairi Daiza, as in other European zoos, king penguin populations are managed under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). This initiative coordinates breeding efforts and raises awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
In their natural habitats, king penguins face increasing challenges from climate change, which is shifting the availability of food sources vital to their survival and the survival of their young.
