Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans welcomes new chick.
There’s a brand new bundle of joy in the penguin colony at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. Proud penguin parents Ritz and Saltine have hatched their first chick! This adorable little penguin is currently in the nest with its parents so visitors won't be able to view the newcomer just yet.
And guess this? Mom and Pop share duties; the parents are taking turns tending to the little one and keeping it warm.
African penguins like this chick are among the world’s most endangered and every chick that hatches is an important part of efforts to save the penguin population. The animal care team at the Aquarium is closely monitoring the chick’s growth and will step in when it is about three weeks old to assist the parents in raising it.
The sex of the chick won’t be known until a test of its shell is conducted by an outside laboratory. Then it will be named.
What do you think the penguin chick should be called? Post in the comments below.
And do visit the Aquarium now for the rest of the penguins will bring you so much joy. They are indeed delightful creatures sure to make you smile.
“I don’t think anyone can have a bad day with penguins around,” said Melissa Lee, director of public relations for the Audubon Nature Institute.
In Other News...
The Aquarium has been renovated and the Audubon Insectarium moved from its home at the U.S. Custom House to the former IMAX theater at the Aquarium site. Having them both under one roof allows visitors to enjoy both without leaving the property.
Also, the Insectarium now has more space, including a massive indoor butterfly garden with 20 different species flitting and floating around guests as they stroll through the garden and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi.
“It’s a beautiful addition,” Lee said.
Do stop and view the large vibrantly pink katydid who "makes a god-awful sound," Lee said with a laugh. “We have some really great insects from all over the world,” she added
And then there's the Bug Appetite cafe where insect-related foods are served. Care for some chocolate cricket cookies or Cinnamon Bug Crunch?
Weird, Wacky & Wild South's Cheré Dastugue Coen grew up visiting the Audubon Zoo and enjoying its remarkable transformation over the years, including the addition of the Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium. She's since raised her children on the experiences.