Baubles and bubbles for Penguin chicks’ first Christmas!

‘Twas a week before Christmas and in the chill of the aquarium, festivities were beginning for seven of the little darling.

Christmas arrived a few days early at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium this year where the colony of adorable Gentoo Penguin chicks were treated to their first winter wonderland affair.

Green and red baubles rolled across the fresh ice of the Sub-Antarctic habitat, as the two-month-young chicks chased and pecked the festive decor with child-like curiosity. Not too far from the babes, adult Gentoos enjoyed their own festive fun with baubles and bubbles that they simply could not resist popping.

“For Christmas, we wanted to treat our penguin chicks to a new type of enrichment that would stimulate their minds and expose to them to something new,” said Kerrie Dixon, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Penguin Carer. “As expected, the babies were hesitant with the baubles at first but quickly came around to enjoy their Christmas treat.”

The colony of penguin chicks hatched at the aquarium between early and mid-November. Among the young ones was famous male-male penguin couple Sphen and Magic’s second chick which is becoming increasingly independent but still enjoys cuddles from its amazing parents.

Stop by SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and see the penguin chicks before they grow up – and they’re doing so, very quickly!