Hello, world! Tennessee Aquarium’s newest penguin chick cracks the egg and expectations

Fluffy, Fastidious, and Fleetingly Fast Growth

The world of penguin enthusiasts had gotten fluffier and cuter after the latest addition to the Republican Penguins’ Rock gallery at the Tennessee Aquarium. A petite yet robust macaroni penguin chick has made its way into the world and immediately commanded attention from all. The hatching happened on June 2nd, with the event being greeted warmly by its parents, Bacon and Merlin. The chick’s lineage traces back to its father Bacon, hatched in 2015 to two other Aquarium penguins, Hercules and Little Debbie. With Hercules still bracing the institution, The aquarium can now boast of being the home to three generations of these adorable creatures.

A Speck Sized Beak Turns into a Fluffy Bundle

The initial signs of the egg’s impending hatching were spotted on a casual Friday afternoon when caregivers noticed a small hole in the egg shell with movements from within. Over the weekend, the chick finally managed to break free from its enclosure with an unanticipated precision, which left even the most seasoned caregivers in surprise. The assistant curator at the Tennessee Aquarium, Loribeth Lee, described the hatching as having a type A personality, noting the perfectly cracked egg which parted straight down the middle, a phenomenon not often witnessed.

Rock Flinging and Triplicate Growth

Upon leaving its egg, the chick did not stop amazing its caregivers. It displayed an unusual level of confidence and strength at its tender age and size, with actions like picking up rocks and tossing them around the nest. The chick’s growth rate has been described as astronomical, starting from a mere 145 grams, a day post-hatching, and skyrocketing to 1,592 grams within three weeks, a notable feat credited to its parent’s diligence and caring.

From Nest to Deep Waters

Macaroni penguin chicks are known to mature rapidly, to adapt to the harsh condiciones of their native Antarctic climates. This new-born, within two and a half months, will look like an adult, with only its crest feathers taking longer to grow. By mid-August, visitors can expect the chick’s weight to have doubled, and its grey down to be replaced with waterproof adult feathers. Upon reaching this milestone, the young chick will take up swim tests in a small off-exhibit pool, and on successful completion, it will be introduced to the larger waters of the Penguins’ Rock gallery.

Welcomed by Its Colony and Awaiting a Gender Reveal

Beside the caregivers and visitors, the other birds in the colony too have expressed interest in the new arrival, often seen gathered around the protective enclosure housing the nesting couple and the fledgeling. As per annual tradition, the chick’s gender will only be revealed post its first colony-wide checkup in November. Excitingly for the fans, the Tennessee Aquarium plans to hold a naming competition in the fall as a fundraising auction, with the proceeds pledged to support their non-profit mission of nature conservation and wildlife education.

Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared for a whirlwind of cuteness overload on the Aquarium’s live Penguins’ Rock webcam, courtesy of HERE News Network.