Lincoln Children’s Zoo announces hatching of Humboldt penguin chick

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Children’s Zoo announced the hatching of a Humboldt penguin chick on Tuesday.

Zoo officials said the chick — an offspring of parents Sharkbait and John Henry — hatched on April 4.  It’s the second penguin to hatch at the zoo.

“Sharkbait and John Henry have laid multiple unfertilized eggs prior, resulting in quite a bit of practice in taking care of an egg leading up to this one,” said Evan Killeen, the zoo’s CEO, in a press release.  “It is amazing to see our animal care staff at work caring for both parents and chick to ensure their health and well-being; and to see Sharkbait and John Henry as attentive and protective parents.”

Since the hatching, Sharkbait and John Henry have been guarding their chick and keeping it warm and fed.

The zoo’s keeper and veterinarian staff are carefully monitoring the chick to make sure it is healthy and progressing well.

The chick’s sex and name will be announced at a later date, the zoo said.

Humboldt penguins are listed as vulnerable on the International Union Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, meaning they face a high risk of extinction.

The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program, which identifies population goals and recommendations to manage a “genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population,” officials said.

The chick is currently spending time off-exhibit as it continues to grow and develop its waterproof feathers.  The zoo said to follow its Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.