Ten adorable northern rockhopper penguin chicks have brought joy to visitors at Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria. Born between late April and early May, these fluffy newcomers mark the first births of their species at the zoo in two years.

On June 1, the public had the exciting opportunity to witness several broods of these enchanting penguin chicks. The little ones showcased their swimming skills, engaged in playful interactions, and basked in the loving care of their doting parents.

These tiny wonders are still in their early stages of life, relying on their parents for sustenance and warmth. The chicks receive their nourishment through regurgitated fish and will remain with their parents for approximately six months.

Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, the zoo's director, expressed his delight at the arrival of the ten new additions, highlighting their importance in conservation efforts for this endangered species. He emphasized the successful integration of both male penguins into the zoo's group and their subsequent pairing with females. One of the males has already contributed to the species' preservation by producing offspring this year, thereby ensuring a hopeful future for their lineage within the zoo.

Hering-Hagenbeck added, "No other zoo boasts the same level of success in breeding northern rockhopper penguins as we do. Schonbrunn Zoo also plays a vital role in coordinating the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Our expertise is highly sought after worldwide."

In a heartwarming gesture, Schonbrunn Zoo also took in two chicks from Munich Zoo, offering them a nurturing environment while their original home undergoes renovation.

Northern rockhopper penguins, classified as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, face significant challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and oil spills, threatening their survival in the wild.

Demonstrating their commitment to conservation, Schonbrunn Zoo actively participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for northern rockhopper penguins. Their previous successful breeding records attest to their dedication to preserving this unique species.

Ten northern rockhopper penguin chicks have hatched at Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria.

The chicks, which were born between late April and early May, are the first of their species to be born at the zoo in two years.

They were part of several broods of northern rockhopper penguin chicks shown to the public for the first time on June 1. Visitors can see the chicks swimming, playing, and interacting with their parents.


Officials said the chicks are still very young and rely on their parents for food and warmth. They are fed regurgitated fish by their parents and will stay with them for around six months.

The zoo's director, Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, said: 'We are delighted to welcome these ten new chicks to our zoo. They are an important part of our conservation efforts for this endangered species.

'Both males have integrated very well into our group and have now found females. One of the two has now provided for offspring for the first time this year and thus contributes to the preservation of its species in the zoo.

'Their dramatic story thus found a happy ending with us.

'No other zoo breeds northern rockhopper penguin as successfully as we do.

'Schoenbrunn Zoo also coordinates the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Our expertise is also in constant demand around the world.

'This year we also took over two chicks from the Munich Zoo, because the facility there is being renovated and we can support the chicks growing up here with us.'




Northern rockhopper penguins are listed as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The main threats to their survival are climate change, overfishing, and oil spills.

Zoo boss Stephan said Schonbrunn Zoo is committed to the conservation of northern rockhopper penguins. The zoo is a member of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for northern rockhopper penguins and has successfully bred the species in the past.