Vienna, Austria – Ten young Northern rockhopper penguins are currently developing at the Tiergarten Schönbrunn as they gradually move toward the next stage of their growth.

The chicks hatched during April and were first cared for by their parent animals before being transferred to a separate area where zoo staff provided feeding and regular weighing.

After spending time in a dedicated “kindergarten” area, the young penguins are now slowly approaching the water in the Polarium as they begin to adapt to aquatic life.

Zoo management explained that Northern rockhopper penguins are considered highly endangered in their natural habitat in the South Atlantic, meaning every individual is especially important for the species’ survival. Monitoring feeding and weight is used to support healthy development.

Following the molting phase, the juveniles will be moved into a separate section with direct water access within the colony.

The Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the only zoological garden that regularly and successfully breeds this species, crediting its specialized team and long-term refinement of care methods.

Northern rockhopper penguins are adapted for life in the ocean, with features such as dense bones for diving, specialized eyes for underwater vision, and wing structures used for swimming rather than flight.

In the wild, after molting, the species can remain at sea for up to six months and is typically found around the Tristan da Cunha island group in the South Atlantic.

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