Endangered African penguin chicks hatch at Arizona aquarium

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – An Arizona aquarium is celebrating the hatching of three African penguin chicks.

Officials at OdySea Aquarium say as an endangered species, any successful hatching for the penguins calls for celebration.

Courtesy of FB: OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona

The director of animal care and education at the facility in Scottsdale says the African penguin population has declined 23% in the past two years alone, and OdySea is partnering with other accredited zoos and aquariums as part of a breeding program aimed at building healthy genetic populations.

Officials say the chicks will remain behind the scenes until they’re ready for a public appearance.

To read more details on the new additions, click here.

And to see the new penguins, visit Facebook here.