Mumbai: In the first occurrence of its kind in over a year, the zoo officials at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Vanaspati Udyan and Zoo revealed the arrival of three newborn penguins; Noddy, Tom, and Pingu, raising the total number of Humboldt penguins at the Byculla zoo to 21.
Although the three new arrivals are now available for public observation, officials stated that the baby penguins largely remain in their nest within the facility, making them unavailable for visitors to see.
Noddy, the first of the penguin chicks, was born on March 4 to parents Olive and Poppy, while Daisy and Donald welcomed Tom and Pingu. Tom was born on March 7, and the youngest among them was born on March 11. The declaration of their arrival, which has generated great happiness among the officials, occurred on April 25, known as World Penguin Day.
Although the three new arrivals are now available for public observation, officials stated that the baby penguins largely remain in their nest within the facility, making them unavailable for visitors to see.
Zoo biologists reported that the zoo's "tinniest waddlers" are fit and well. “Currently, we supply the food to the parents who chew it, create a mix, and then personally feed their chicks,” an official stated.
Before this, the Byculla zoo had received three penguins in 2023, as three distinct pairs of parents welcomed Coco (female), Stella (female), and Jerry (male). The birth of the new baby penguins has increased the total number of Humboldt penguins to 21.
With the increasing population of the species at the zoo, the Byculla authorities have proposed exchanging penguins for other animals as part of their programmes. Nonetheless, the penguins have not attracted any buyers due to their expensive maintenance and care, raising worries about the diminishing space for them at the current facility.
