Shedd Aquarium welcomes baby rockhopper penguin

Shedd Aquarium is celebrating the birth of a baby rockhopper penguin, the first of its species born at the aquarium in almost a decade.

The chick began hatching on June 15 after developing for 32 days and is growing steadily, according to a statement from Shedd. The baby weighs two pounds thanks to ongoing care from its penguin parents, Edward and Annie, and the Shedd animal care staff.

The chick will spend time on exhibit with its parents, and visitors to the aquarium could soon see the baby in Shedd’s Polar Play Zone. Visitors can also meet Edward and Annie, who went viral during the pandemic for their Penguin field trip videos and later starred in their own children's book. 

Rockhopper penguins are a vulnerable bird species native to southern hemisphere areas, including Antarctica, New Zealand, and Chile. Shedd has placed added emphasis on breeding rockhopper penguins this year, as the species is underrepresented in aquariums. 

Shedd’s animal care team is closely watching the hatchling, as the first few months of life are crucial for a baby penguin’s long-term development. Over time, the chick will learn to socialize with the aquarium staff.

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