Mississippi

First-of-its-kind hatch celebrated at Mississippi Aquarium. See photos of the rare birds

By Sun Herald
African Chick 2 weighed in at 188 grams six days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium.
African Chick 2 weighed in at 188 grams six days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium. Mississippi Aquarium

The Mississippi Aquarium celebrated a first in January, with the birth of two critically endangered penguin chicks.

Mississippi Aquarium crew braved the recent snowstorm to arrive at the aquarium’s Aquatic Research Center for their normal duties only to spot a new addition to the team, African Penguin Chick 1. Penguin Chick 1 hatched to penguin parents Pumpkin and Blue on Jan. 20. On Jan. 25, the colony grew again with the hatch of African Penguin Chick 2, hatching to surrogate parents, Fiona and Duke. These chicks are the first penguins to hatch in the state of Mississippi.

African Chick 2 weighed in at 188 grams six days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium.
African Chick 2 weighed in at 188 grams six days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium. Mississippi Aquarium

African penguins are classified as a critically endangered species with less than 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild. The aquarium says its colony of African Penguins acts as ambassadors for its species. Caring for them allows the Aquarium to educate guests and spread the bird’s conservation message.

“The whole crew here at Mississippi Aquarium is overjoyed to welcome the newest members of our Mississippi Aquarium family,” said Kurt Allen, President and CEO of Mississippi Aquarium. “This is such an amazing accomplishment and a true testament to the phenomenal care our African Penguins receive here by our passionate and knowledgeable staff.”

African Chick 1 is held the day after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium.
African Chick 1 is held the day after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium. Mississippi Aquarium

“The chicks are still very delicate but are growing every day,” said Vice President of Veterinary Services and Research, Dr. Alexa Delaune. “We keep a close eye on the chicks and examine them every other day to make sure they’re growing and developing properly. The penguin parents are doing a great job so far.”

Mississippi Aquarium plans to continue to share updates on the penguin chicks through their social media channels.

African Penguin Chick 2 is held two days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
African Penguin Chick 2 is held two days after its birth at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. Mississippi Aquarium
African Chick 1 receives a checkup at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
African Chick 1 receives a checkup at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. Mississippi Aquarium
African Penguin Chick 1 receives a check-up by VP of Veterinary Services and Research at the Mississippi Aquarium, Dr. Alexa Delaune.
African Penguin Chick 1 receives a check-up by VP of Veterinary Services and Research at the Mississippi Aquarium, Dr. Alexa Delaune. Mississippi Aquarium
African Penguin Chick 2 is held by Amanda Westerlund, the Supervisor of Birds and Ambassador Animals at the Mississippi Aquarium.
African Penguin Chick 2 is held by Amanda Westerlund, the Supervisor of Birds and Ambassador Animals at the Mississippi Aquarium. Mississippi Aquarium

This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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