Eleven Humboldt penguins born at Chester Zoo in over a decade named after plants

Chester Zoo has welcomed eleven new baby penguins this year. They are Humboldt penguins, which are considered at risk of extinction. The zoo staff are happy because all the chicks are healthy and well cared for by their parents. The keepers help the adult penguins by providing them with everything they need to raise their young. Sometimes this includes giving extra fish to the parents, who then feed it to the chicks after turning it into a high-protein soup. The penguins have been named after plants this year, such as Nettle, Thistle, Daffodil, and Tulip. Naming the penguins is a fun tradition at the zoo. Last year, the penguins were named after crisps and local football club owners. The zoo believes that naming the penguins helps bring attention to their vulnerable species. The Humboldt penguins are native to Peru and Chile. They face threats like climate change, over-fishing, and changes in ocean conditions. The zoo is happy to have so many new chicks this year, as it's the most in over a decade. The keepers are proud of the penguins' growth, as they have increased in weight from 80 grams to 2.5 kilograms in just 40 days. It's been a big team effort to care for the new arrivals and ensure their well-being.