SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is thrilled to announce the hatching of a new Gentoo penguin chick, born to proud parents Pink Lady and Winnie. The fluffy newcomer made its debut on November 3rd, 2024, and has already captured the hearts of aquarium staff and visitors alike.
DNA testing has recently confirmed the chick is a male with the team deciding on the name, Goose. Goose is the second offspring for the penguin couple, following older sibling Charlie, who is also a beloved member of the colony.
Goose’s journey began with a 36-day incubation period, typical for Gentoo penguins. Now at two months old, he has grown rapidly and currently weighs 5.4kg, eating around 10% of his body weight, three times a day. Regular health checks, including weigh-ins and development assessments, are being carried out by the dedicated veterinary and keeper team.
Renee Howell, Sub-Antarctic Penguin Supervisor at SEA LIFE Sydney, shares, “Pink Lady and Winnie have done a wonderful job, taking turns sitting on the nest and feeding their chick during its first few weeks of development. The bond between the pair is incredibly strong, and it’s clear their care has ensured that Goose has grown strong and healthy.”
For the first few weeks of life, Goose remained nestled under the warmth of his parents’ feathers, receiving all the love and attention needed. At one month of age, Gentoo chicks are left by both parents, who must return to sea to cater to their chicks demanding hunger.
Banding together, the chicks form a creche – huddling together to keep warm until their waterproof feathers emerge. At this stage, SEA LIFE keepers must ensure the chicks stay dry, caring for them within the safety of a purpose-built creche, giving them a safe space to grow.
Goose is offered daily supervised creche outings with his colony, with his adult feathers starting to push through, allowing aquarium guests increased opportunities to catch a glimpse of this adorable new addition to Sydney’s only sub-Antarctic penguin colony.
