🐧Two endangered African penguin chicks, were born at a NJ aquarium, marking a major conservation milestone.
🐧Their birth comes weeks after African penguins were re-listed as critically endangered, with extinction feared by 2035.
🐧 Aquarium biologists say the chicks highlight the growing importance of captive breeding and conservation efforts in New Jersey.
CAMDEN — Christmas came early to a New Jersey aquarium, as two baby African penguin chicks were born, marking a critical milestone for the endangered species.
Baby African penguins born at Adventure Aquarium in Camden
The two baby penguins, named Duffy and Oscar, were born at Adventure Aquarium in Camden in early November, according to an announcement made on Saturday.
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Critically endangered African penguins face extinction risk
Their arrival is a major milestone for the species, as African Penguins were re-listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in October 2024, due to habitat loss and environmental factors.
Duffy and Oscar are the 51st and 52nd species chicks to hatch at the aquarium, officials announced.
Meet Duffy and Oscar: The newest penguin chicks with local ties
Duffy is named after Adventure Aquarium staff member, Jen Duffy, who has been on the Bird and Mammal team at the aquarium since 2006…