Photos: Pittsburgh’s National Aviary Welcomes Two African Penguin Chicks
The African Penguin is a critically endangered species.
AFRICAN PENGUIN CHICKS RESTING IN A BED OF NESTING MATERIAL, FEBRUARY 2025. | PHOTO BY MIKE FAIX OF THE NATIONAL AVIARY
New birds have taken up residence at the National Aviary: two unnamed African Penguin chicks.
Chick No. 1 hatched on Feb. 7 and weighed roughly 60.5 grams — just about the weight of a pack of gum. Chick No. 2 hatched on Feb. 10 and weighed close to 55 grams — the weight of a sugar packet.
HATCHLING TWO DURING A ROUTINE HEALTH EXAM, FEBRUARY 2025. | PHOTO BY MIKE FAIX OF THE NATIONAL AVIARY
The chicks are the 11th and 12th chicks hatched by parents Bette and Sidney (named after Sidney Crosby, of course). Bette and Sidney are also the adoptive parents of Pierogi. Both chicks live behind the scenes for now. The Aviary will give more updates on when the public can meet the chicks.
The African Penguin is a critically endangered species globally, and its population is decreasing, according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“This trend currently shows no sign of reversing, and immediate conservation action is required,” says the IUCN’s website.
The species was last assessed for the organization’s red list status in July 2024. The red list assessment determines the likelihood that the species will go extinct based on current population trends and future threats.
Following the classification of “Critically Endangered” is “Extinct in the Wild,” followed by extinction.