A Rockhopper penguin chick is the newest feathery friend on exhibit at Shedd Aquarium.
The chick was born a month ago at Shedd and can be observed on exhibit in the open nesting location near Polar Play Zone along with the baby’s parents who are caring for the chick until it learns to eat and swim.
The gender of the chick has not yet been identified. Weighing only 75 grams, the chick has added approximately 40 grams per day since its birth, now weighing a healthy 1,019 grams.
Shedd officials say the Rockhopper penguin birth is an important addition to the aquarium because of the vulnerable status of these animals in the wild. Disease and warming ocean temperatures have put the population of the Rockhopper penguin at risk, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Shedd began participating in the rescue efforts of penguins in 1991.
