Gazpacho Learns the Birds and Bees
Now that Zurita and the chick seem to be doing very well, keepers have had time to look closely at the situation. They debate why Gazpacho did not take part. Was he too young? Was he just a “lusty adolescent” out for a good time? Did his background of being hand reared contribute? Or is he just an irresponsible penguin? Everyone seems to agree that Gazpacho is not intentionally ignoring his duty. Instead, keepers think that he has not witnessed any significant parental behavior and as a result is too young to understand his role in chick rearing.
Keepers continue to watch mom and chick very closely. In two to three months the chick will begin to eat on its own, but in the meantime Zurita is still doing the work of two penguins. Keepers monitor both of their food intake very closely and weigh the chick regularly to make sure both mom and chick are receiving enough nutrition.
All of these events came about because of a very unique set of circumstances. Since keepers planned to move Zurita to another zoo to breed, they chose an immature male to be her companion. According to all the current research, Gazpacho should not have been able to breed. Additionally, few penguin enclosures exist that allow for the unique arrangements necessary for the keepers to take such an active role in the rearing of a chick. Nonetheless, it has been very educational. Since this situation would not have occurred in the wild, keepers had to learn how to modify their husbandry practices to support of a single penguin mother. It took tons of work and time, but they have designed new tactics to help future “at risk” birds survive in zoos.
More importantly, a camera is now capturing amazing maternal feeding and care in Zurita’s nest box. The landmark footage will be shared with other zoos and penguin researchers to help broaden understanding of these endangered birds.
When Zurita and Gazpacho are reunited, keepers will watch to see if the two really are bonded or if this really was a “unique situation.” The Species Survival Plan had prepared to move Zurita long before the egg came. Assuming that the two penguins have not formed a lifelong bond, Zurita will move to another zoo, where she will be paired with a male of a more suitable age.
In the meantime, keepers are waiting for the chick to fledge (become more independent). This should happen 70 days after the chick emerged from the egg. Eventually the chick will separate from Zurita, just as in the wild. But like all details in this unusual melodrama, only time will tell what will happen!
Feathered Films
Keepers were thrilled to get a close look at Zurita being a mother. Through a small security camera outside the nest box, keepers were able to monitor mom and chick (large Windows Media file---broadband connection required. If you do not have Windows Media or Quicktime you can download them here by clicking on the tile below):
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