Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Following the arrival of the first African penguin chick to join the Penguin House family in mid-July 2026, more newly hatched chicks began appearing in August. The chicks are now making appearances in the new African Penguin Activity Area, visitors are warmly invited to come and meet these adorable new arrivals.

During the 2026 breeding season, four pairs of African penguins produced six fertile eggs. The oldest and largest chick hatched in mid-May, while the youngest emerged from its egg at the end of June. Even a one-week age difference can lead to significant differences in the chicks' growth. Keepers introduce the chicks to the Penguin House colony only after they are about two months old and have begun replacing their insulating gray down with juvenile feathers. So far, three of this year's African penguin chicks have made their public debut!

The oldest chick, now approaching three months of age, has almost completely replaced its gray down with sleek gray-and-black juvenile plumage and has officially entered the subadult stage. Keepers have also begun helping the chick learn to swim. Curious about visitors, it often presses close to the viewing glass to watch people passing by. Visitors are kindly reminded not to tap on the glass or use flash photography, allowing the chick to explore its new surroundings without being disturbed. The other two chicks, a pair of nestmates that have just reached two months of age, still retain small patches of grayish-brown down on the backs of their necks and around their rumps. Having been inseparable since hatching, the brothers spend nearly the entire day side by side, making them especially delightful to watch.

The three young chicks are still getting acquainted with the mature penguins in the colony. Visitors are encouraged to observe their behaviors and interactions to see how penguins gradually integrate into the group through social behavior. Three younger chicks are still under two months of age. Keepers will continue to monitor their development and introduce them to the new activity area gradually when they are ready.

African penguin chicks grow quickly, and their appearance changes noticeably as they molt from day to day. This brief transition from fluffy chicks to sleek young penguins is a special stage that won't last long. The Temperate Zone Animal Area has prepared a new indoor activity area for the African penguins, located just outside the Penguin House (diagonally opposite the Penguin Shop). Be sure to visit the right location if you'd like to watch these adorable chicks as they grow and molt!