SAN
DIEGO, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On
September 12, 2023, an Emperor
penguin chick was hatched for the first time since 2010 at SeaWorld
San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is the only place on the Western
Hemisphere where Emperor penguins can be found, making the hatching
a rare and celebratory event. Emperor penguins are currently listed
as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to the
loss of Antarctic sea ice and rising sea levels caused by climate
change.
First Emperor Penguin Chick in Over a
Decade Hatched at SeaWorld San Diego
"Bringing this chick into the world and ensuring her well-being
and survival around the clock has been a very rewarding process for
me and the entire SeaWorld Aviculture team," said Justin Brackett, Curator of Birds at SeaWorld
San Diego. "Every decision regarding her well-being was made with
the upmost care and consideration by our expert team and veterinary
staff. We are looking forward to learning more about her and
watching her unique personality develop as she continues to
grow."
A recent scientific study found a record low for Antarctic sea
ice coverage that is adversely impacting Emperor penguin
populations. Four of the five Emperor penguin colonies studied
experienced total breeding failure due to the lack of sea ice.
Emperor penguins are dependent on sea ice as their habitat for
breeding, raising chicks, and molting. Newly hatched chicks lack
waterproof feathers required to swim or survive in the
ocean.
Katie Propp, Chief Operations
Officer at Penguins International said, "Disappearing sea ice is
becoming more frequent as our planet continues to warm and is
having a devastating effect on penguin populations. The good news
is that there is a future for this species if we take action to
fight climate change and support organizations like SeaWorld that
provide human care and maintain genetic biodiversity for Emperor
penguins in their facilities. Seeing these majestic animals up
close and educating the public about the threats they face in the
wild is paramount to encourage the public to do something to save
their wild counterparts.
SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in the western hemisphere
outside of Antarctica where people
can see Emperor penguins. Penguin Encounter is home to a colony of
17 Emperor penguins, as well as 300 other penguins including King,
Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap and Adélie penguins. The exhibit is a
25-degree, snow-filled habitat where the resident penguins can swim
and interact within the colony. A colony of warm-weather Magellanic
penguins, native to South America,
live in a habitat outside the Encounter. Penguin Encounter is also
home to nearly 90 puffins and murres.
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit
SeaWorldSanDiego.com. Follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and
Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo
and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating
and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life.
Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and
enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and
year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed
rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment.
For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of
marine life in and outside its parks through science, education,
and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American
Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and
Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is
one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world,
helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation
Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided
more than $20 million to nearly 1,400
organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A
portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding
conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San
Antonio, San Diego and
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(UAE). SeaWorld is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE: SEAS)
portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at
SeaWorld.com.
Media Contact:
swcpr@seaworld.com
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SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment