Newquay Zoo penguin colony grows with two fluffy arrivals

Newquay Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two Humboldt penguin chicks, born in recent weeks to long-term pair Ebony and Patch and to first-time parents Oreo and Humbug.

The eggs were laid in March and hatched just a few weeks ago, with keepers confirming that all parents and chicks are healthy and doing well during this critical early stage.  

The first chick was hatched by Ebony, Newquay Zoo’s oldest penguin at 28 years old, and her long-time partner Patch, who she has been paired with for around 20 years. Together, they have successfully raised many chicks over the years and are even grandparents to some of the Zoo’s current colony members. The second chick marks a significant milestone for younger penguins Oreo and Humbug, who are navigating parenthood for the very first time.  

The news follows a fun-filled penguin ‘pool party’ held earlier this month to celebrate a wave of penguin birthdays at Newquay Zoo, where visitors enjoyed a special talk, behind-the-scenes insights, and crowd-pleasing enrichment activities, including bringing out the penguin’s favourite bubble-machine to stimulate playful behaviour.  

Senior Keeper Dan Trevelyan, who has successfully reared many penguins during his time at Newquay Zoo, said: 

“We’re thrilled to welcome two new chicks to the colony. Ebony and Patch are experienced and reliable parents who’ve successfully raised several offspring over the years, and it’s fantastic to see Oreo and Humbug stepping up as first-time parents. This is a critical period for the chicks, so while everything is going well, we’re monitoring them closely to ensure they stay healthy and strong.” 

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), native to the coastal regions of Peru and Chile, is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Threatened by habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change, Humboldt penguins are part of coordinated breeding efforts across European zoos. Newquay Zoo has housed a thriving penguin colony since the zoo opened back in 1969 and remains committed to species conservation and education. 

While the chicks remain safely tucked in their burrows next to the penguin pool, visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse - or even hear a tiny chirp - on their next visit. With their playful personalities and engaging behaviours, the penguins continue to be a standout favourite for guests of all ages at Newquay Zoo. 

Regular chick updates will be shared on Newquay Zoo’s social media channels in the coming weeks, allowing the public to follow their development until they’re ready to waddle into public view.