Featured Image Credit: Adventure Aquarium
By Jessica Kittel
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey has recently welcomed two new penguin chicks into their family. One chick named Lemmie, an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), was born back on March 29th to parents Cliff and Mouse. Cliff and Mouse have been struggling to breed for some time now so it’s a very happy occasion for all involved!
The Second chick, this one a little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), hatched on April 22nd. The yet unnamed little girl is also the first chick for her parents, Sapphire and Bloke. Since she has still yet to receive a name, the aquarium are holding a vote to decide what she will be called. The moniker candidates include: Kirra (which means leaf or to live), Talia (which means near water), or Terra (Latin for earth). To vote requires a small donation at the ballot box located in the aquarium’s main lobby. The money raised will go to aid the little blue penguins found in the wild and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife’s restoration of the Manly little penguin colony.
While we wait to hear what the little blue penguin will end up being named, we should talk about the fun alternate names both species have. Little blue penguins are also known as fairy penguins! Found in New Zealand and Australia, these penguins likely earned that name as a result of their small size. In fact, they’re the smallest penguin species in the world. They only reach 13 to 15 inches in length when fully grown. They also have very unique blue feathers on the top of their bodies, hence little blue penguin.
African penguins also have an alternate name however, it’s not nearly as romantic. These penguins are also known as “jackass penguins” due to their loud vocalizations that resemble a donkey-like bray. The jackass penguin has a distinct pink colored gland located directly above each eye. This feature isn’t just for looks, it actually helps them counter the high temperatures found in Southern and Southwestern Africa. When the penguin starts get too hot, more blood is sent to the glands to be cooled by the air. The hotter it gets, the pinker it gets. These penguins are also on the small side and are one of the most endangered of penguin species. Over the past 28 years their population has declines by 60 percent. They are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
While their wild cousins might be struggling, these two new chicks are receiving the finest care. Both sets of parents have reportedly been exceptionally attentive and just downright awesome parents. Way to rock at the whole parenting thing Cliff, Mouse, Sapphire, and Bloke!