5 baby penguins from a species considered Critically-Endangered have hatched at an aquarium down in South Carolina.
The 5 join 2 that hatched in May, and together make up a record nesting season for the organization’s resident African penguins.
Hatching at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, staff are calling it a “baby boom” and a major positive for the species at risk of disappearing from the Earth.
“We thought we were lucky with our first two chicks, but welcoming five more has made this an unforgettable year,” Courtnie Barnett, the aquarium’s general manager, said in a news release.
“This incredible milestone would not be possible without our amazing animal care team. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for these animals is truly what makes moments like this possible, and we are so proud to celebrate the Lucky Seven with our guests.”
The 5 new animals have not been named. The two hatched in May are called Chel and Vic.
PENGUIN CONSERVATION: South Africa Bans Commercial Fishing at Penguin Breeding Spots Where Food Supply Shortage Could Drive Extinction
African penguins are the only species of their kind found in the whole of the Old World, and live along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. Populations have been declining throughout the whole of the 21st century, but previous estimations suggested they would have been extinct by now.
In March of 2025, during the interim stages of a lawsuit launched by environmental groups against a combination of environment and fishing authorities in South African, a settlement was reached that would see substantially increased no-fishing zones established around 6 key penguin breeding colonies. It was the first legal action of its kind in the country, the BBC reported.
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