Northern rockhopper penguin chicks hatched at Vienna Zoo.

The first two chicks hatched on March 31 and have been taken under the care of the animal keeper team to ensure their health before being introduced to coincide with World Penguin Day.

Zoo Director StephanHering-Hagenbeck said: 'Here at the Polarium, visitors can currently witness the Rockhopper penguin couples nurturing their offspring, taking turns to warm and feed them in the nest.'

Vienna Zoo is one of the few zoological gardens in Europe that celebrates the successful breeding of this highly endangered penguin species annually.

The Northern Rockhopper Penguin, when fully grown, stands approximately 55 cm tall and sports distinctive yellow tufts of feathers on its head.

In its natural habitat in the southern Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean, it faces significant threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

Since 2015, Vienna Zoo has been coordinating the European Endangered Species Breeding Program (EEP) for the Northern Rockhopper Penguins, overseeing breeding efforts across Europe and sharing its expertise.

As part of the EEP, a 'Rescue Plan' is developed to address emergency situations, such as oil spills threatening colonies in the wild.

The zoo director added: 'In such cases, zoological gardens can contribute their expertise to ensure the welfare of these animals.'