Three Humboldt penguin chicks were born at a zoo in Syracuse, N.Y. this month, adding hope to the growth of the endangered breed.
The chicks were the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's 40th, 41st and 42nd Humboldt penguins. There are only an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 of these penguins living in the wild, according to a press release from the zoo.
On Feb. 4, the 42nd penguin chick was officially named during a press conference attended by Syracuse County Executive Joanie Mahoney.
"I am happy to help name Lucia [the 42nd chick] and to introduce the youngest of the three new additions to the zoo's successful penguin program," Mahoney said in the press release. "It is always wonderful to have new babies at the zoo. Each winter we look forward to the arrival of penguin chicks. Congratulations to our zoo staff on their continued success."
The 40th and 41st chicks will be named with the help of the community after the zoo staff determines their genders.
The three newest Humboldt penguin chicks in the zoo will be cared for by their parents until they are weaned and able to join the rest of the colony on exhibit at Penguin Coast in the spring.
