Breaking Update:
For some time now, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been unsuccessful at growing their African penguin flock. Now, for the first time in their 90+ years, a chick has lived past 10 days and is still growing strong.
Penny, as they call the chick, was born weighing only 2 ounces - or as much as 11 pennies. Born just over a month ago, the chick now weighs more than 2 pounds and continues to grow. Its sex is unknown until the zoo can conduct DNA testing.
There are a few theories as to why other chicks were unable to survive - the front runner being that the penguin exhibit is simply too old. African penguins have sensitive respiratory systems, and the outdated air filtration system likely wasn’t cutting it for the chicks.
That’s why the zoo started their “
Making Waves” campaign. The campaign, which has raised $8.7 million of the $10.4 million goal, will go to completely remodeling the penguin and hippo exhibit, which the two share.
Separate air filtration systems for the two species are included in the remodel, which zoo staff hope will help future chicks thrive. The new exhibit will also allow the penguins to come and go outside, a feature they do not currently have.
We’ve had amazing support from our donors thus far in the ‘Making Waves’ capital campaign, but now we need the community’s help in raising the remaining funds,” said Bob Chastain, president and CEO. “We hope that everyone in the community who loves hippos and penguins will rally to finish out this campaign.”
Penny is currently being raised in a separate exhibit (not open to public) with its parents, but will be socialized with the rest of the flock when its adult feathers have grown in.
“Even at just over 30 days old, it’s already pretty feisty,” said Patty Wallace, lead Aquatics animal keeper. “That’s a good sign, since it’s a natural defense mechanism for chicks in the wild.”
