Valley zoo welcomes two endangered penguin chicks to the world

PHOENIX — A Valley zoo has welcomed a pair of endangered penguins to the world.

The African – or black-footed — penguin chicks recently hatched at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park.

“Having them hatch here is really wonderful thing for conservation and wonderful for our zoo, as well,” Lauren Finnerty, the park’s education curator, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

The chicks hatched about a week apart, which is typical in nature so the parents don’t have to care for two new babies at the same time.

The zoo’s staff is monitoring the black and white bundles of joy closely and weighing them every day.

“Our penguin team is very hands on making sure that both chicks are getting enough nutrition, making sure that the parents are doing a good job, which they are,” Finnerty said.

“They are notoriously wonderful parents.”

The penguin chicks join a host of critters born at the West Valley zoo this year, including a giraffe, a bobcat kitten and two mountain lions cubs.

This is the first time penguins have hatched at the zoo. More could be on the way, as additional adult penguins are sitting on eggs, Finnerty said.

“They’re from South Africa, so they’re used to slightly warmer water than some of their cousins, which is why they thrive pretty well here,” she said.

The venue is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Visit the zoo’s website for more information.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon contributed to this report.

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