Georgia Aquarium's New African Penguin Chick Couldn't Possibly Be Sweeter
It's an exciting day at the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium announced a tiny "floofy" surprise that's arrived at their facility recently — an African Penguin chick they've named Rigby. And he's just the cutest little thing you ever did see.
Pretty much any baby penguin would be adorable, but there is something about Rigby that really has people smitten.
The aquarium wanted to celebrate Rigby's official introduction to the public with a quick video about their African Penguins.
In the video, they took viewers along as the penguins went from "setting up their nests to having a chick in our colony."
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It all starts in the winter, when penguin trainers give lavender to the birds to help build their nests. No, it's not just because it smells good. Lavender is actually very similar to what penguins would use in their natural habitats.
When Rigby hatched from his egg he was about the size of a human's palm. Rigby was hatched on January 23, 2024 and now, mere months since, he's grown to become a true little chunk. Rigby currently has his juvenile plumage — so he's still a baby. But the aquarium is excited to watch him grow up into the adult penguin he's going to become.
People loved Rigby. "Welcome to the best aquarium in the world, Rigby!! from a fellow Aquarius," cheered one person. "AHHHHHHHHH I NEED TO COME SEEEEEEE," exclaimed another commenter. "We have the same birthday!!! I need to meet him," a third person added. "Welcome to the world Rigby and happy 3-month birthday!!" cheered one person.
All About Penguin Babies
Besides being downright adorable, penguin babies are the result of a long and lengthy mating process. It may take a penguin three to eight years to reach sexual maturity, although those numbers can vary depending on the breed.
Then comes the mating season, which every breed of penguin goes through. The season tends to last from spring to summer and involves a series of gestures or behaviors that penguins do to woo each other. These gestures can vary depending on the breed, but often males will make a nest and then try to attract a mate.
Male penguins might then perform an ecstatic display, which will let females know they have a nest and are ready to mate. Then females will choose a partner. Most males are monogamous during mating season, but females might have several partners. Once penguins breed and an egg is dropped, penguins will take turns watching the egg while it incubates. This period can vary, but before long a teeny, tiny penguin chick will be born. If it seems like a lot of work, it sort of is. But Rigby is proof that it's totally worth it.
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