inspired by the Bentley Subglacial Trench, the lowest point in Antarctica. Through constant careful monitoring, it was determined that Bentley was not thriving, and a medical exam found that he had developed pneumonia within a week of hatching. While penguin parents do their best, the decision was made to hand-rear Bentley to make sure he got the medical care that he needed. Penguin babies eat a lot, and between the Endotherms team and Veterinary staff, it took a full team effort to nurse Bentley back to health. He has recovered well and is now thriving on habitat.

Shortly after Bentley, baby Aurora hatched on June 22 to parents Runner and Georgia. Her name was inspired by Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights commonly seen in Antarctica. Aurora developed mild pneumonia as well but had an easier time of it. Whenever possible, chicks are left with their parents to rear, so our team was able to co-manage her alongside her parents. Once she was old enough to leave the nest, she transitioned to hand feeding in our nursery until her adult, waterproof feathers came in.

Bentley and Aurora have overcome many milestones in their short time since hatching. Gentoo penguin chicks grow quickly in their first two to three months of life, so both penguins gained a lot of weight daily. They went from eating blended fish to eating whole fish, just like their parents. Both chicks also experienced their first molt and grew their waterproof feathers. So, at that point, they were ready for the water! To prepare them, both chicks were introduced to a small body of water in a back of house area.