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Meet Twix and Twirl, the endangered Black-footed penguin chicks

Two baby penguins nestle underneath a parent.Banham Zoo

Twix and Twirl didn't open their eyes until a few weeks after they were born

Two Black-footed Penguin chicks have hatched at Banham Zoo, arriving just in time for World Penguin Day which happens every year on 25 April.

Twix and Twirl's hatching is especially significant because Black-footed penguins, also know as African penguins, are a critically endangered species.

Native to the south-western coasts of Africa, Black-footed penguins face severe threats and there are fewer than 20,000 left in the wild.

The two new chicks are part of the zoo's breeding programme which has been set up to help ensure the future of the species.

A black penguin chick has a peck at some straw.Banham Zoo

Sophie Imhof, Team Leader of Birds at Banham Zoo, says its "brilliant" to see both chicks doing so well.

She added they seem to be settling in well with their parents Kanene and Smithson.

"Every hatch really matters for this species, as they are a critically endangered species with species numbers dropping 90% in the last century," she said.

"For now, Twix and Twirl are staying tucked up in the nest, exactly where they should be. But we look forward to seeing them adventure out in the coming months."

Penguin fun facts

A Black-footed Penguin is side on to the camera. It has white and black feathers and a thick beak.Banham Zoo

You can also find these penguins in Namibia

  • Penguins usually keep the same mate for life and the mum and dad take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch.

  • In the wild penguins eat a lot of food, about 14% of their body weight every single day.

  • Penguins can shoot their poo up to 3 feet! By doing this they make sure it stays out of their nest, so it is clean for their eggs and then the chicks when they hatch.

  • They are super speedy swimmers. When hunting they have been seen swimming up to 12 miles an hour.

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