Endangered African penguin chick born at ZooTampa

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - With spring comes a new, fluffy penguin chick – at least that’s the case at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

The park announced the hatching of an African penguin chick, which was born on March 25 to parents Thumbelina and Rocky. It weighed in at 61 grams, or 0.13 pound.

ZooTampa didn’t say whether the chick will be at a public exhibit. In the past, zoo officials have said it’s difficult to tell a penguin chick’s gender, but a DNA blood test can be done.  

African penguins are endangered species and, currently, 19 penguins call Lowry Park Zoo their home. Zoo officials say they participate in the African penguin Species Survival Plan.