Mississippi Aquarium’s penguin colony has grown.
Officials announced on Friday that four African penguin chicks hatched in late January. The chicks were born to mated penguin pairs at the aquarium. The penguin parents and babies are reported to be doing well, with the chicks hitting all of their milestones.
“We’re excited to see our colony continue to thrive and grow under the incredible care of our Animal Care and Veterinary crews,” Mississippi Aquarium President and CEO Jeff Gibula said. “I encourage everyone to come see the penguin chicks while they are on campus for this limited time.”
Last year, Mississippi Aquarium celebrated the state’s first-ever penguin hatchings. The venue is hosting African penguins, a species classified as “critically endangered” with less than 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild. Officials say the species is in dire need of conservation, and the hope is that the growing colony in the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be part of the solution.
The penguin chicks will be visiting Mississippi Aquarium on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 1:45 p.m. through April 5. Viewing the chicks is included with general admission and free for annual passholders. Mississippi Aquarium also plans to give penguin chick updates through its social media channels.
Ticket information and hours of operation at the aquarium can be found here.