Gujarat Science City Celebrates World Penguin Day With Special Announcement And The Birth Of Three African Penguin Chicks
On the occasion of World Penguin Day, Gujarat Science City is delighted to celebrate a significant milestone — the successful in-house breeding of three African Penguin chicks at the Aquatic Gallery. This marks a historic achievement in the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and marine biodiversity.
To commemorate this special day, Gujarat Science City proudly announces the names of the three newly born penguin chicks: Daisy, Kiara, and Balloo. These names were carefully chosen to reflect joy, affection, and the growing public connection with the penguin family.
The successful breeding programme, led by the expert Husbandry Team at the Aquatic Gallery, began in June 2024 with the first egg laid and hatched in July after a 38-day incubation. In a rare and heartening development, the penguin pair laid a second clutch of two eggs in October, which hatched in November — resulting in two female chicks and one male chick.
This accomplishment is the result of a specially designed nesting environment that mimics the penguins’ natural habitat, providing safety, privacy, and optimal breeding conditions. In addition, the penguins were supported with a carefully curated feeding and enrichment programme during the mating and chick-rearing period.
The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus), native to the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. With fewer than 19,800 mature individuals remaining in the wild, successful captive breeding plays a vital role in global conservation efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mona K. Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, said,
“The birth of these penguin chicks is a proud moment not only for Gujarat Science City but for the entire state. It reflects our dedication to animal welfare, conservation, and science education. We invite citizens and visitors to meet Daisy, Kiara, and Balloo — our new ambassadors for marine conservation.”
The penguin exhibit is now open for visitors, offering an exciting and educational experience for all age groups. This World Penguin Day, let us renew our commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving our planet’s marine ecosystems.
Media Contact
Company Name: Gujarat Science City
Contact Person: Jalpa Dave
Email: Send Email
City: New Delhi
State: Delhi
Country: India
Website: https://sciencecity.gujarat.gov.in/
