It’s not a stork bringing news of growing families this year – two baby penguins hatched at Budapest Zoo in December, as announced this week. The chicks are currently in a breeding cave, away from public attention, but in the next few weeks they will be making their way to the Penguin House for all to see.
The zoo has kept penguins for more than a hundred years, showcasing black-footed, Humboldt and now poppy penguins from the coasts of southern Africa. There are currently 32 penguins residing in the zoo’s Penguin House. According to the zoo’s website, which is tracking the chicks’ growth, the parents Joy and Orange are protecting them with jealous care.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden[/caption] In all, Budapest Zoo houses birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, insects, jellyfish and all other manner of creatures. Many of the species are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The poppy penguin itself is also endangered, as well as the crested Asian wild dog and the Indian lion, which all find lodging in Budapest.
Tickets to the zoo start at 2,200 forints for children and 3,300 for adults.
