Moody Gardens Welcomes Two Adorable Chinstrap Penguin Chicks
GALVESTON, Texas – Christmas arrived early at Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid with the heartwarming arrival of two Chinstrap penguin chicks. Hatched on December 17 and 22, the tiny newcomers are bringing festive cheer to visitors and staff as they settle into their new home in the South Atlantic Exhibit.
The first chick, hatched on December 17, weighed 182 grams on Christmas Eve. Parents Blue and Blanche are diligently caring for their thriving chick. Its younger sibling, hatched on December 22, weighed in at 114 grams and is receiving equally loving care from parents Squawk and Dorothy. According to staff biologist Brooke Loewenthal, the chicks will remain with their parents on exhibit for about a month before being moved to the back of the exhibit once they become more active. Their down feathers are not yet waterproof, so keeping them away from the exhibit’s deep water is crucial. While nestled safely under their parents, visitors can still catch glimpses of the adorable duo during feeding times or via the live penguin webcam.
Moody Gardens is home to 93 penguins across four species: King, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Rockhopper. These hatches mark another successful breeding season at the AZA-accredited facility, with King penguin eggs still incubating, promising more baby birds in early 2025.
Beyond the new chicks, Moody Gardens penguins have been making a splash online. In mid-December, a video of Rockhopper penguin Marley creating a painting went viral, garnering over 100 million views and highlighting the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
Celebrate the Holidays at Moody Gardens
Visitors can celebrate the holiday season by visiting Moody Gardens to see the Chinstrap penguin chicks or by watching them via the live webcam. Moody Gardens is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering a perfect opportunity for holiday memories. Regardless of the weather, Moody Gardens promises an unforgettable holiday experience, filled with heartwarming animal encounters and festive attractions. Share your special moments using #Click2Pins.
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