The Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove at Bird Paradise has recently welcomed three new residents.
A one-year-old female northern rockhopper penguin, Pascale, arrived from Australia on 28 Nov.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
In addition, two Gentoo penguin chicks hatched on 25 and 27 Nov, marking an exciting first for the park.
According to a media release by Mandai Wildlife Group, which operates Bird Paradise, the two Gentoo penguin chicks were born to Riki and Peach.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
However, the new parents struggled to care for both chicks, leaving the second one underfed.
To ensure its survival, Bird Paradise’s penguin care team stepped in to hand-raise the chick.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
Anaïs Tritto, Assistant Vice President of Mandai Wildlife Group, shared that the team only intervenes “when absolutely necessary”.
She explained: “As first-time parents, Riki and Peach may not have the experience to successfully raise two chicks simultaneously. This is a natural behaviour also observed in the wild, where sometimes only one chick survives.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Tritto noted that the pair is “adjusting beautifully to parenthood” and doing well in caring for their firstborn.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
The penguin care team will closely monitor both chicks during the critical early stages of their development.
Visitors to Penguin Cove may catch a glimpse of the first chick nestled snugly beneath its parents.
The second chick can also be seen during feeding times. Visitors can check the whiteboard near the Research Room window for its feeding schedule.
As for Pascale, who was rescued from a beach and rehabilitated at Perth Zoo, she is undergoing a two-week isolation period before joining the Penguin Cove habitat in mid-December.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
Described to have a “boisterous personality”, she was brought to Bird Paradise because the specialised cold saltwater habitat at Penguin Cove is ideal for meeting the long-term needs of her species under human care.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about her scruffy appearance, it’s because she’s moulting — shedding her old feathers to make way for a sleek new coat.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
During her stay, keepers are hopeful that Pascale will bond with Pierre, a five-year-old male and the park’s only other northern rockhopper penguin.
Both Pascale and Pierre were assessed as unlikely to survive if released back into the wild.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
“Pascale’s arrival marks a new chapter for Pierre and we look forward to seeing how they would interact and bond,” said Ms Tritto.
Also read: SM Lee confirms he was at Bird Paradise, shares beautiful photos of its residents
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Featured image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
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