Wildlife park welcomes three new Humboldt penguins

A wildlife park has announced the "exciting addition" of three Humboldt penguins.

The male trio arrived at Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire as part of a programme to strengthen conservation efforts.

The species, which is native to Peru and Chile, is listed as vulnerable in the wild due to threats like climate change, overfishing and habitat disturbance.

A spokesperson for the park said managed breeding programmes played a "vital role in maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population in conservation zoos across Europe".

The penguins, which hatched in 2024, travelled to the Cotswolds from Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Wales.

Keepers said the penguins travelled "well" and had joined the zoo's existing colony of Humboldt and King penguins.

Last year, head keeper Alistair Keen travelled to Peru, along with scientists and wildlife specialists from around the world.

They spent more than two weeks collecting data, monitoring wild penguins and building artificial nest boxes for them.

A park spokesperson said: "The experience strengthened Birdland's ongoing commitment to supporting global conservation initiatives, both in the wild and within conservation zoos.

"The arrival of the three new males is therefore more than just an exciting addition for visitors, and forms part of a coordinated, international effort to safeguard the future of the species, both in South America and here in the UK," they added.

The new arrivals can be seen at the park's Penguin Shore area.

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