Three pairs of Adelie penguins at the Guadalajara Zoo have given birth to offspring – the first successful breeding of penguins in captivity recorded in Latin America.
The births occurred on December 25 and 26, and January 2. The eggs of three other pairs proved to be infertile.
The Antardida Reino de los Pinguinos attraction at the Guadalajara Zoo opened in 2015. The 15 penguins live in a carefully monitored artificial climate that mirrors their natural habitat.
According to a Zoo press bulletin, the chicks are “strong and healthy” and being “looked after and fed” by their parents.
After 60 days the chicks will start to lose their fluffy hair and begin to take on the same appearance as their parents, as well as feed themselves, the Zoo said.
The press release said the births are a “great success” for the institution that has the “conservation of vulnerable species in danger of extinction” as one of its main goals.
Scientists believe that half of the population of penguins in the Antarctic region has been depleted in the last 50 years due to climate change. A study by Scientific Reports in 2016 found that up to 60 percent of the current Adélie penguin habitat in Antarctica could be unfit to host colonies by the end of the century.
The expansive Guadalajara Zoo is located at Calle Paseo del Zoológico 600, Colonia Huentitán El Alto. During the school cycle, opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (open Mondays and Tuesdays during school holidays). General admission: 85 pesos adults, 50 pesos children. Several packages are available to see “special” attractions such as the penguins, reptiles, aquarium, Safari Park, etcetera. The train ride and SkyZoo (ski lift) also carry an additional cost. See zooguadalajara.com.mx or call (33) 3674-4488 for more information.