The Bedford Estates, London
There’s plenty to celebrate in the Foot Safari this summer as Woburn Safari Park welcomes seven fluffy new arrivals. Four pairs of Humboldt penguins have successfully hatched and are raising chicks, taking the Park’s thriving colony to 23 penguins.
As part of the European breeding programme for this vulnerable species, keepers are closely monitoring the growing families while allowing the penguins to display their natural parenting behaviours.
Meet the proud penguin parents
All four pairs have successfully raised chicks in previous years, making them experienced parents who continue to play an important role in the colony.
Tank (male) and Arrow (female) are one of the colony's most recognisable pairs. Curious and full of character, Tank is always the first to investigate what's happening around the enclosure, while confident Arrow is a firm favourite with the keepers. Together, they've proved to be attentive parents, even moving burrows before their chicks arrived to give their growing family a little more space.
On the other hand, Wobble (male) and Spud (female) are a quieter pair, preferring life away from the spotlight in a cosy burrow beneath the trees. Although they tend to keep themselves to themselves, they're incredibly dedicated parents, with their chick happily staying close to home under their watchful eye.
Leaf (male) and Salsa (female) are among the colony's most experienced parents. Leaf is always first in line when herring is on the menu, while Salsa perfectly complements him with their calm, devoted approach to raising chicks. Their youngsters have certainly inherited their confidence, becoming some of the first to poke their heads out of the burrow and explore the nesting bank.
And finally, Koopa (male) and Wasabi (female) have also enjoyed another successful breeding season. While relaxed Koopa keeps a close eye on the rest of the group, Wasabi spends much of her time caring for the chicks inside the burrow.
Although still young, each chick is already developing its own unique character.
Some have been eager to venture out and meet their neighbours, while others have preferred to stay close to the safety of their burrows as they continue to grow.
As they become more confident, visitors can look forward to seeing the chicks exploring the nesting bank, interacting with the rest of the colony and taking their very first swim.
Helping protect a vulnerable species
Humboldt penguins are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with wild populations threatened by habitat loss, climate change and human disturbance.
The penguins at Woburn Safari Park are part of the coordinated European breeding programme, with every successful breeding season helping to maintain healthy genetic diversity and safeguard the future of Humboldt penguins for generations to come.
Did you know?
Humboldt penguins don't just build nests with twigs and leaves, they also use pebbles during courtship. A carefully chosen pebble presented to a potential mate can be accepted and added to the nest, making it an important symbol of pair bonding.
Come and meet the newest arrivals!
The penguin chicks are continuing to grow in confidence every day, with more exciting milestones still to come.