THE Welsh Mountain Zoo have been marking World Penguin Day.
The Colwyn Bay zoo is home to some 23 adorable Humboldt Penguins who live in a specially designed enclosure and together, form part Penguin Parade troop.
World Penguin Day is celebrated on Thursday, April 25. Held on roughly the day that the species begin their migration North, the zoo has long since been a lover and supporter of the species, housing penguins for about 50 years.
During this time, 130 chicks have hatched, with the youngsters either staying at the zoo, or moving to other collections within the breeding programme.
Kaitlyn Jenkins, of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “Our penguins are wonderful and we love having them as part of our collection. They are incredibly energetic and have their own very unique style and presence that is both captivating and enjoyable to watch for visitors of all ages.
“Our association with the goes back many years and we’re proud to not only house a strong collection but to be part of successfully breeding many chicks right here.
"We’re really pleased to be part of World Penguin Day, an event that pays homage to this unique and lovable species.”
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Humboldt Penguins are fed a diet of fish including sustainably sourced pilchards, sardines and small mackerel. All of the zoo’s penguins can be individually identified by their unique feather markings on their chest and stomach. They are also micro chipped and have wing bands that lets the keepers know who the individual is, what sex they are, and also who their parents are and who they have paired up with.
It’s not unusual to have single sex pairings and the zoo currently has two males who paired up about 10 years ago. They have successfully acted as surrogate parents together in the past, and have both hatched and reared youngsters from eggs produced by other pairs.
The Penguin Parade has been a highlight of the zoo for many years, beginning in the mid 1990’s.
Kaitlyn said: “Penguins only join the penguin parade if they want to - it is completely voluntary, and occasionally only one or two penguins will choose to join penguins are naturally curious animals and will often participate in the parade just to enjoy the walk.
"During the nesting season they will also come out and look for nesting material. They love exercise and they are incredibly energetic.”
The penguin parade is held every day from April to October at 12pm and 3pm.
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