New Zealand's only colony of sub-Antarctic penguins has a couple of new members after the hatching of two chicks last month at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium.
The tiny new additions, one weighing 2500 grams and the other 1600 grams, were given a welcome that could be described as both warm and icy, nestling under their parents in the cold conditions of the aquarium's penguin area.
The babies hatched on November 4 and have remained under the watchful eye of their protective mum and dad since then.
Aquarium staff believe the weight difference likely means that the larger chick could be male and the smaller one female.
Despite the excitement over their arrival, their minders are in no hurry to name the chicks.
"We've had two wee Gentoo chicks hatch and are totally enamoured with our latest arrivals," said Laura Seaman, the Penguin Team Leader at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
We haven't decided on names yet as we are waiting for their little personalities to start shining through."
The chicks' parents are just as cute as the new arrivals. The larger chick is being raised by first time parents Humphrey and Myrtle, the smaller chick is being raised by seasoned parents Tua and Al.
The penguins minders said Gentoo penguins are the third-largest penguin species and are known for their charisma and swimming abilities.
