Flippin’ cute: Penguin chicks begin to hatch at Edinburgh Zoo

Staff have so far counted 14 eggs within the northern rockhopper colony with four chicks hatching so far.

More than a dozen northern rockhopper penguin chicks are beginning to hatch at Edinburgh Zoo.

Staff have so far counted 14 eggs within the colony with four chicks hatching so far.

The zoo is currently closed to the public during the coronavirus lockdown however, the tiny chicks can be seen on the wildlife conservation charity’s live webcams.

Dawn Nicoll, senior penguin keeper, said: “Northern rockhopper penguins are an endangered species so it is really exciting to welcome new chicks to the colony.

“We counted 14 eggs in total and four chicks have hatched so far, so fingers crossed there’ll be more good news to come.”

Staff were happy to see many animal lovers have tuned into the webcams to watch the chicks grow despite not being able to visit in person.

As well as being part of the European breeding  programme for northern rockhopper penguins, the zoo has worked to help safeguard the species in the wild for many years.

Ms Nicola added: “People can help look after our newly hatched penguins and protect their cousins in the wild by donating on our website.”