In early January 2025, the Moscow Zoo welcomed five adorable Humboldt penguin chicks, marking an exciting addition to its animal family. Two pairs of these charming birds successfully hatched two chicks each, while a third pair brought joy to the zoo with one chick. The gender of these new arrivals will be determined in a few months, as reported by the city’s Department of Culture.
As if that wasn’t enough, February also saw the birth of a chick from a pair of large cormorants, adding to the zoo’s growing avian population. Like their penguin counterparts, the gender of this new cormorant chick is yet to be established.
Humboldt penguins are renowned for their parenting skills, and the zoo staff have observed this firsthand. The adult penguins manage their offspring with minimal interference from zookeepers and veterinarians. Staff members have built a strong rapport with the penguins, allowing them to monitor the nests and ensure the eggs' safety without causing stress to the birds.
Currently, the penguin chicks are gradually venturing out of their cozy burrows, showing curiosity about their surroundings. They have begun to explore the shores of their habitat and are even attempting to swim, albeit clumsily. Their diet consists entirely of semi-digested fish, which their parents provide to facilitate easier digestion.
The chicks will gain the ability to swim after reaching two months of age, coinciding with their molting phase, when they shed their initial fluff for adult feathers. Interestingly, the plumage of these chicks is a more muted gray compared to the black and white of adult penguins.
Svetlana Akulova, the director of the Moscow Zoo, spoke about the care provided to the penguins. “Zoologists conduct weekly checks on the chicks, which take no more than three to five minutes to minimize stress for the birds. Weighing the chicks regularly helps us identify any potential food shortages or health issues,” she explained. The nests undergo periodic disinfection as part of the zoo's health protocols.
As of now, the penguin chicks appear to be thriving and steadily gaining weight. Their playful chirps and squeaks after feeding indicate they are comfortable in their environment, eagerly demanding fish from their attentive parents.
Meanwhile, the cormorant chick is also making strides in its development. It has already begun to sample adult food, including small capelin, showcasing its growing appetite. While it currently differs from its parents in size and has a fluffy neck, it won’t be long before it matures into a striking adult cormorant.
The Moscow Zoo continues to be a hub of excitement and education, with the recent births serving as a testament to the successful breeding programs in place. The Humboldt penguins, in particular, have become a favorite among visitors, who are often captivated by their antics and nurturing behavior.
As the seasons change, the zoo staff remain committed to monitoring the growth and health of all their animal residents, ensuring they receive the best care possible. The arrival of these new chicks not only enriches the zoo’s biodiversity but also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about these fascinating species.
In addition to the penguins and cormorants, the zoo is home to a variety of other animals, each contributing to the vibrant ecosystem that the facility aims to replicate. With educational programs and interactive exhibits, the Moscow Zoo strives to foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation among its visitors.
As the penguin chicks continue to grow and explore their environment, they symbolize hope for future generations of wildlife. The zoo’s efforts in breeding and caring for these species highlight the importance of conservation and the role that zoos play in preserving animal populations.
With each passing day, the penguin family at the Moscow Zoo is not just surviving but thriving, reminding us of the wonders of nature and the joy of nurturing life.
