Two penguin chicks weighing the same as small kiwi fruits hatch at Edinburgh Zoo

Two penguin chicks have hatched at Edinburgh Zoo, weighing the same as small kiwi fruits.

A pair of Northern rockhoppers, weighing just 63g and 95g, have hatched before World Penguin Day, which is on Saturday.

The chicks are weighed daily and closely monitored during their first 30 days to ensure they remain healthy.

Born to parents Bruce and Pinhead, and Wesley and Penny, the new hatchlings are said to be “wooing keepers” at the zoo.

During each check, a keeper gently lifts the chick from beneath its parent and places it on a scale. Its weight is recorded before it is carefully returned.

The entire process takes less than a minute and is designed to minimise disturbance, keeping both chicks and parents calm and comfortable.

Penguin keepers at Edinburgh Zoo are hopeful more chicks will hatch in the coming days.

The zoo is home to three species of penguin: king, gentoo and Northern rockhopper.

Alison MacLean, animal team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “This is my favourite time of year. The chicks are so tiny at this stage, weighing the same as a small kiwi fruit. One is very vocal at weigh-in, while the other prefers to snuggle under the parents and avoid the spotlight.

“What makes this extra special is that Northern rockhoppers are Endangered. Being able to contribute to the breeding programme, which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population in zoos, is wonderful.”