| P-P-P-Perfect Surprise for Visitors returning to SEA LIFE Hunstanton
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#Lockdown sees birth of tiny penguin chick! Newborn weighed the same as four of the iconic Penguin biscuits. Chick has been named "Squirt" because of some VERY cheeky habits.
Staff have an extra special surprise for those returning to the site following its re-opening to the public on 4th July 2020. Whilst the rest of the aquarium has been quiet and peaceful, two frisky penguins have been very busy and have welcomed a tiny penguin chick.
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Born in the middle of lockdown on the 21st May 2020 to proud parents Conker and Sushi, the little penguin chick has been staying safe with its parents, at home in their nest. But, as the lockdown is slowly starting to be lifted, it too is starting to come out and meet this new world.
This is the first baby for parents Sushi and Conker, who themselves were both born at SEA LIFE attractions. Click here to read more.
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Update: 14th July 2020 - Squirt is starting to look out of it´s holt checking where dad is...Have you spotted him/her yet during your visit?
Click here to see a larger version of this photo taken on 12th July 2020.
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Update: 27th July 2020 - Squirt out with it´s mum and dad.
This sweet penguin chick is starting to get a few waterproof feathers through too, so make sure you plan a visit to see them before all the fluffy feathers are gone!
Click here to see a larger version of this photo taken on 26th July 2020.
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Update: 6th August 2020 - Chicky adventures - So brave and looking semi waterproof.
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Update: 13th August 2020 - Squirt is starting to get tummy spots through!
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Update: 24th September 2020 - ITV´s This Morning´s resident vet Dr Scott Miller was live at the SEA LIFE Sanctuary on 23rd September when staff announced that the new Humboldt penguin chick Squirt was a "Girl".
The staff celebrated as the gender was revealed with confetti cannons and later an ice cake.
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Dr Miller said "The tricky thing with humboldt penguins is not only that they are an endangered species, so it is incredibly important they are breeding them, but it is impossible to tell a male from a female."
"The difference with these birds is that we need to do it with scientific testing."
Click here to read more in the online Eastern Daily Press.
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Update: 27th September 2020 -
Squirt is officially part of the gang now, she has her own arm band!
Each one of the penguins has their own individual band colour to be easily identified (rather than counting the spots on their bellies).
The boys have them on the left wing and girls have them on the right. Little Squirt has a combination of her mum and dads´ colours to create her own personal band colour.
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