New Gentoo Penguin Chick Joins Tennessee Aquarium’s Growing Colony
Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium: An animal care specialist at the Tennessee Aquarium holds a 19-day-old Gentoo Penguin chick. Gentoo Penguins grow exceptionally quickly, reaching their adult size just 70 days after hatching.
In The Know with Gino…
A new Gentoo Penguin chick has recently joined the growing colony at the Tennessee Aquarium‘s Penguins’ Rock Gallery, adding a fresh splash of life to the popular exhibit. Born on June 25th to parents Nipper and Pebbles, the chick remains unnamed but is already making a notable impression with its calm demeanor and rapid growth.
This chick’s parents are seasoned breeders, having previously raised Lizzie, a female born in 2020, as well as other offspring through various pairings. Their experience appears to be paying off, with caretakers noting the parents’ relaxed and confident approach to parenting. The chick itself exhibits a surprisingly laid-back personality, often quiet and easygoing during routine checks, a stark contrast to more energetic past arrivals.
The Tennessee Aquarium’s animal care team gives a recently hatched Gentoo Penguin chick a checkup. Photo credit: Tennessee Aquarium
Veterinary staff are closely monitoring the chick’s health, which is developing rapidly due to the parents’ attentive feeding. Gentoo chicks typically reach adult size around 70 days after hatching, and this chick has already experienced remarkable growth—gaining over 2 kilograms in less than a month. Its initial weight was just 122 grams, roughly the size of a small battery, but it’s now weighing well over 4 pounds.
Despite its gentle nature, the chick is notably vocal, often calling out before it’s even fully visible. To ensure its safety and comfort, the chick has been kept in a special off-exhibit holding room rather than with the rest of the colony, especially during the nesting season, which can be a stressful time for adult penguins. The isolation allows Nipper and Pebbles to care for their new offspring without interference from other colony members, reducing potential stress and conflict.
The chick’s future on-exhibit debut is planned for around 70 days of age, contingent on passing a swim test and developing waterproof adult feathers. Its gender remains a mystery for now, with a blood test scheduled for November during routine health exams.
In keeping with a new tradition at the Aquarium, the opportunity to name the chick will be part of an upcoming online fundraiser this fall. Funds raised will support ongoing conservation projects and animal care programs. Meanwhile, visitors and fans can keep an eye on the chick’s progress through a live stream of Penguins’ Rock, available online, allowing everyone to witness the newest member of the colony in its early days.
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Veterinarian Dr. Leah Owens conducts a routine examination of a 19-day-old Gentoo Penguin chick. After hatching, chicks are carefully monitored by Aquarium veterinarians and care staff, including tri-weekly medical checkups.
SOURCE: Tennessee Aquarium
