Ripley's Aquarium Welcomes Five New African Penguin Chicks

At Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, a recent arrival has brought an extra dose of joy and celebration. The aquarium welcomed an additional five African penguin chicks to its Penguin Playhouse, bringing the total number of chicks hatched this year to seven. This milestone comes after the successful hatching of two chicks earlier in the year, marking an unforgettable chapter in the aquarium's animal care efforts.

"We were already feeling lucky with our first two chicks, but the addition of five more makes this an incredibly special year," said Courtnie Barnett, General Manager at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. "The dedication and expertise of our animal care team are truly what make these successes possible, and we are proud to share this moment with our guests."

The Penguin Playhouse, which opened in 2020, has become a thriving colony home to the newly hatched African penguins. Each chick is under close observation by the aquarium's animal care team as they grow, develop their unique personalities, and reach important milestones. The health and well-being of the chicks remain a top priority, and their visibility to guests may vary as they continue to grow.

African penguins are listed as Critically Endangered, making each successful hatch a significant achievement. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach works closely with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and other zoos and aquariums worldwide to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan®, the aquarium participates in maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in human care.

Visitors to Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach can learn more about the African penguins and follow the growth of the newest members of the colony on the aquarium's social media channels. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok updates will provide guests with regular updates on the chicks' progress.

"Each visit to Penguin Playhouse is a special opportunity to witness the growth and development of these amazing animals," said Barnett. "We are excited to share this journey with our guests and to continue working towards the conservation of these incredible species."

The success of the recent hatching is just one of many exciting developments at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. The aquarium, a part of the global family of Ripley's Believe It or Not! World Entertainment, continues to attract visitors from around the world with its unique blend of education, entertainment, and conservation efforts.

For those interested in learning more, Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers a media kit featuring videos and photos of the new penguin chicks. Guests can access this resource to gain a closer look at the newest additions to the colony.

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a testament to the ongoing commitment to animal welfare and conservation efforts. With the successful hatching of the Lucky Seven chicks, the aquarium remains at the forefront of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species.