Twomore Penguin Chicks Arrive Just Before Christmas at Moody Gardens

Contact Information

Courtney Carr, 409-683-4209

Cell: 409-370-4585

Jerri Hamachek, 409-683-4249

Cell: 409-789-2607

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWOMORE PENGUIN CHICKS ARRIVE JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT MOODY GARDENS

Three new penguin chicks now on exhibit in the Aquarium Pyramid

GALVESTON, Texas(Dec. 23, 2015) – Santamade a special delivery for the second time in the past three daysto theMoody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid, bringing two new Gentoo penguin chicks to the exhibit. The new additions to the South Atlantic Exhibit brings the total number of Gentoo penguins from 10 to 12. The parents of both the Gentoo chicks are Marvin and Wiley.

Just days after a Southern Rockhopper penguin hatched at Moody Gardens,the Gentoos made their debut in the Aquarium Pyramidwhere they reside with 80 other King, Macaroni, Rockhopper,Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. These new chicks mark another successful breeding season at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility.

“While we have had quite a few Gentoo chicks we are always thrilled to welcome the next generation. We are having a banner year and are hoping that it continues into next year as well,” said Diane Olsen, Assistant Curator.

Adult Gentoo penguins have yellow feet, making them unique in the Moody Gardens exhibit.

They also have distinct white patches above the eye and white speckling in the adjacent black plumage around their heads.

Gentoo penguins are currently listed as “lower risk-near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Because of their strong popularity, penguins play an influential role as ambassadors for wildlife conservation.

The small, fuzzy birds can be seen at the South Atlantic exhibit with the other Moody Gardens penguins. The public can watch the penguins in the Aquarium Pyramid or on the Live Penguin Cam at

For more information, call 1-800-582-4673 or visit

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