Penguin Chicks Waddle Into the Spotlight at Birdland Park
Two adorable Humboldt penguin chicks are taking their first steps into the great outdoors at Birdland Park, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
The hand-reared chicks are being gradually introduced to the rest of the penguin colony as part of a carefully managed socialisation process. Their outdoor adventures mark an important milestone in their development — and in the park’s most successful breeding season in nearly a decade.
But they’re not alone. Two other chicks, raised by proud first-time parents Broady and Kat, and Big Mac and Cookie, have also started to explore life outside the nest, venturing into public view on their own.
A Breeding Breakthrough
For the first time, all three of Birdland’s established breeding pairs have produced viable eggs. With four healthy chicks thriving and one more egg under close observation, this season is the strongest the park has seen since 2017.
“It’s been a record-breaking year,” said a Birdland spokesperson. “We’re thrilled to see the chicks growing well and beginning to interact with the rest of the colony.”
The gradual outdoor introductions help the young penguins adjust to the sights, sounds, and social cues of colony life, while also giving adult birds time to get used to their new companions.
Name That Chick!
The park has yet to name the new arrivals — but keepers say a public naming competition is on the horizon. Visitors and penguin fans will soon have the chance to help name the fluffy stars of the season.
Protecting a Vulnerable Species
Humboldt penguins are listed as vulnerable to extinction, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change.
Birdland Park plays an important role in international conservation efforts, supporting field research and protection programmes in Peru through its work with Penguins International.
As the chicks grow and waddle further into the public eye, Birdland’s success this year is more than just a cute moment — it’s a sign of hope and progress for a species in need.