AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo is home to another a new penguin chick, specifically a Humboldt penguin chick that officially hatched on March 3.

What You Need To Know

  • The Akron Zoo is home to another a new penguin chick, specifically a Humboldt penguin chick that officially hatched on March 3

  • The egg was sent to the Akron Zoo by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • The female chick’s name is Tercera

  • These penguins are considered vulnerable to extinction

The egg was sent to the Akron Zoo by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, according to a press release. The female chick’s name is Tercera.

“The egg was a high priority in terms of genetic diversity and the decision was made by the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP) to send the egg to the Akron Zoo,” the release reads.

The chick’s foster parents are Pez and Gabriella. The release notes that these two are accomplished parents, raising multiple chicks and fostering. Their last chick, named Ernie, hatched back in 2021.

“Tercera is currently being raised off-habitat with her foster parents,” the release reads. “Before joining the penguin colony on habitat, she will need to eat on her own, lose her down feathers and pass a swim test.”

Including Tercera, there are now 16 penguins hosted at the zoo, which is accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The release states that the zoo works with the Humboldt Penguin SSP, “which is a scientifically managed breeding program that works to ensure a healthy, genetically-diverse population of Humboldt penguins.”

These penguins are considered vulnerable to extinction, according to the release, and are found in Peru and Chile. Local guano harvesting for use as fertilizer has led to the destruction of many of their nests.