Baby birds hatch at Idaho Falls Zoo

Two endangered African penguin chicks and a Chilean flamingo chick hatched at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

The penguins hatched on June 27 and 29, and the flamingo hatched on July 13.
Staff won’t know the genders of the penguins until they are older and undergo a blood test.

The female Chilean flamingo chick is being parent-raised in the flamingo exhibit in the Patagonian Realm area at the zoo while the two penguin chicks are now being hand-raised by animal care staff in the penguin building.

“As wildlife numbers globally continue to decrease these chicks are important ambassadors for the conservation of their species,” says Zoo Director David Pennock.

The new chicks are the result of breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). Because the Idaho Falls Zoo is accredited by AZA, the breeding of species like the African penguins and Chilean flamingo in accredited institutions is advised by a national SSP developed and reviewed regularly by a team of experts from across the country.

While the chicks will not be introduced to the colony at Penguin Cove until about 6-8 weeks old, they can be seen on a monitor located near the exhibit viewing windows.

The flamingo chick can be seen with the flock as she’s now started to venture into the pond.

The Idaho Falls Zoo is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission prices are as follows:

Adults (age 13-61): $7.50 Seniors (age 62 and over): $6.00 Children (age 4-12): $4.50 Children (age 3 and under): Free Zoo Members: Free (with membership card) Parking: Free

The zoo’s address is 2725 Carnival Way Idaho Falls.