Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
A rescued northern rockhopper penguin finds a home and love in Singapore, while gentoo penguin parents celebrate their first chicks, spreading holiday cheer.
SINGAPORE, 5 December 2024 – Bird Paradise’s Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove is bustling with excitement this festive season as its penguin colony celebrates two major milestones. A female northern rockhopper penguin, Pascale, rescued from Australia, has arrived at her new home, joining fellow northern rockhopper Pierre. Meanwhile, gentoo penguin parents Riki and Peach have welcomed their first two chicks, marking a joyful first for the park.
Pascale, a one-year-old penguin rescued from Western Australia in February 2024, was rehabilitated at Perth Zoo before making her journey to Singapore on 28 November. Her introduction to the colony will begin in mid-December, following a two-week isolation period. Pascale’s arrival provides companionship for Pierre, another rescued northern rockhopper, and sparks hopes for a potential pairing.
Assistant Vice President of Mandai Wildlife Group, Anaïs Tritto, shared, “Pascale’s journey and successful rehabilitation highlight the importance of conservation efforts. We are thrilled to see her adapt to her new home and look forward to the possibility of her bonding with Pierre. Additionally, the hatching of our gentoo chicks is a significant milestone for us, showcasing the success of our care and breeding programmes.”
The endangered northern rockhopper penguin is renowned for its striking yellow-orange crest and exceptional agility, hopping across rocky terrains of its sub-Antarctic habitat. Pascale’s integration into the penguin colony, which includes over 30 penguins from four species, is a crucial step in providing her with a safe, specialised environment.
Adding to the festive cheer, gentoo penguins Riki and Peach welcomed their first two chicks on 25 and 27 November. While the first chick is thriving under the care of its parents, the second chick requires hand-raising due to underfeeding. The penguin care team is now nurturing the chick in the Research Room at Penguin Cove, where visitors can witness its development.
Riki and Peach, who arrived from Japan’s Toyohashi Zoo in 2023, are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) breeding programme. This initiative ensures genetic diversity and raises awareness about gentoo penguins, classified as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.
The chicks’ genders will be determined post-moult through DNA analysis. Visitors may spot the first chick nestled under its parents or observe the second chick’s feeding times in the Research Room.
This festive season, Bird Paradise continues to highlight its commitment to wildlife conservation, providing a haven for endangered species and sharing the wonders of nature with its visitors.
Penguin keeper, Nuralyanti Jasni, releases Pascale from her crate upon arrival at Bird Paradise. Pascale will undergo a two-week isolation period for monitoring to ensure she is adjusting well to her new environment.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Dr Ellen Rasidi, veterinarian, Mandai Wildlife Group, checking on Pascale.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Pascale’s first weigh-in shows she’s in great health, coming in at a solid 2.3kg.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
A penguin keeper hand-feeding Pascale as they take the time to familiarise themselves with her and help her settle in.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The chick’s soft gray down feathers blend seamlessly with the rocky pebbles, offering it natural camouflage in its environment.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
First time parents, Riki and Peach, caring for their chick.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Penguin keepers are hand raising the second chick, ensuring it receives regular feedings and attention to support its growth in this critical stage of development.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The chick will follow a feeding schedule of at least four times a day. Its diet consists of krill and small herring fillets, dipped in a formula made of vitamins, yeast, calcium, and fish.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The chick is being housed in a temperature-controlled brooder where a penguin soft toy is provided to offer warmth and comfort, helping it feel secure and supported as it grows.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
