Vienna, Austria - August 22, 2024

Amidst the sweltering summer heat that has gripped Austria, a cool and unique event took place at the Polarium in Vienna Zoo on July 15, 2024. A king penguin chick, the second largest species of penguin, hatched, bringing a touch of the subantarctic to Vienna.

King penguins, which can grow up to 95 centimeters tall, are known for their unique breeding habits. "They do not build nests but incubate their eggs standing up in a fold of their stomach for around 55 days," explained Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, director of Vienna Zoo. After hatching, the chick remains well hidden between its parents' feet until it develops a warm down coat, which now allows it to be visible to the zoo's visitors.

The Polarium at Vienna Zoo has been meticulously designed to replicate the natural habitat of these majestic birds. "First and foremost, this means that the air and water temperatures are adapted to the natural conditions in the wild throughout the year," said Hering-Hagenbeck. Currently, both air and water temperatures are maintained at around 10 degrees Celsius, providing a comfortable environment for the penguins.

To ensure the water remains clean and suitable for the penguins, the Polarium employs a sand filter system and occasionally uses ozone. The diet of the penguins is also carefully managed, with high-quality sea fish like mackerel and herring delivered bi-monthly. A unique feature of the Polarium is a machine that produces fresh ice, not just for cooling but also as a form of entertainment for the penguins.

The success of breeding king penguins in such a controlled environment is largely due to the dedicated team of zookeepers. Their expertise and commitment ensure that the penguins thrive, leading to successful breeding outcomes like the recent hatching.