JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida zoo has announced the additions of two chicks and three adults to its Magellanic penguin group.
The Florida Times-Union reports the first chick, whose gender is still unknown, hatched on July 30 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Another chick hatched Aug. 7.
In a statement zoo officials said they’re pleased that both chicks are being parent-raised, especially since previous two chicks had to be hand-reared by zookeepers. The chicks won’t be on public exhibit until they’re about three months old.
Officials are monitoring two more eggs.
Three adult penguins arrived at the zoo from the San Francisco Zoo and are currently on exhibit. The penguins are part of a breeding program.
Magellanic penguins are native to the southern coasts of Argentina and Chile.