MADISON — The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison welcomed two baby penguins into the world in January.
On Jan. 14 and 17, the zoo saw the birth of two baby penguins, both female. According to the zoo, both are African penguin chicks so that means they were born without their waterproof feathers.
These feathers will grow in in about 90 days, when they will then have to learn how to swim.
The chicks, which will be named later this month, will remain off exhibit until spring when they are big enough to make their public debut.
According to the zoo, African Penguins are one of the most endangered types of penguin. The number of African Penguins has "declined by 60 percent in the last 30 years due to over-fishing, human disturbance, climate change, and oil spills."
“We are excited to welcome these two new African penguin chicks to the Henry Vilas Zoo family,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “We are proud of the long history Henry Vilas Zoo has with penguin conservation. Many thanks to our staff for taking care of these newest additions and keeping them healthy.”
