Nancy and Campito are the new members of the family La Aurora National Zoo. The little ones They are almost four months old and are part of the six calves born in the breeding program. penguin conservation from the park; They are the first to be presented to the public.
It is about Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)a species that lives on the coasts of Peru and Chile and is in danger of extinction due to habitat loss, overfishing, climate change and the presence of invasive species in their nesting areas.
The program promoted by the Zoo is aimed at the preservation of this species and the maintenance of a healthy population under human care. At the moment, Seven collaborators are dedicated to caring for the six offspring and ensuring their birth, care and development..
“It was a process that began in December 2025 with the implantation of the first egg. It is a process that requires a lot of technical control with weighing, feeding and monitoring. The incubation of the eggs was between 40 and 42 days and the care of its parents is still maintained because it is a species that greatly depends on its parents.”explained Yousef Talgi, technical manager and veterinary doctor at La Aurora Zoo.
As a curious fact, he added that Humboldt penguins, as adults, are monogamous and have a partner for life, with whom they share the tasks of caring for the chicks in a coordinated manner.
With the birth of the six offspring, the number of penguins that live in the La Aurora National Zoo. The four other hatchlings in the conservation program will gradually be introduced to the public.
“For the La Aurora Zoo, this achievement is very important. This species is in danger of extinction and the Having managed to produce 6 offspring strengthens our intention to support the conservation of the species”commented the Zoo’s Marketing Manager, Gabriela Galindo.
Characteristics of Humboldt penguins
- Its name comes from the ocean current of the Pacific Ocean that passes off the coasts of Peru and Chile.
- They have a weight of 3 to 4.5 kilos
- They live in groups, but form pairs for life.
- They live up to 15 years in freedom
- They have two reproductive seasons a year and generally lay two eggs.
- They feed on fish, octopuses or squid.
- With this birth of six chicks, the penguin population at La Aurora Zoo rises to 21
- The chicks differ from the adults by not having a black plumage mark on the chest.
- Adults are monogamous and have a partner for life.
