Khaizuran RashidNow here’s a heartwarming story to brighten your day! Singapore’s Bird Paradise has welcomed three new residents, each with their own charming tale of resilience and new beginnings. From rescued penguins to tiny, fluffy newcomers, there’s plenty of excitement at the park as these adorable birds settle into their new home. Let’s dive into the details of these new arrivals and what makes their stories so special.
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Meet Pascale: The Brave Rockhopper with a Big Journey
This festive season, Bird Paradise has welcomed a new feathered friend – Pascale, a northern rockhopper penguin with a remarkable story. Found washed ashore on a beach in Western Australia in Feb 2024, Pascale had strayed far from her usual sub-Antarctic range. After months of care at Perth Zoo, she has now arrived in Singapore, where she’ll call the specialised cold saltwater habitat at Bird Paradise her home.
That’s not all! Pascale won’t be alone for long. She’s set to meet Pierre, the park’s only other northern rockhopper penguin. Like Pascale, Pierre was rescued and rehabilitated at Perth Zoo before moving to Singapore in 2019. Bird Paradise hopes the pair will bond, paving the way for a brighter future for this endangered species. Who knows, maybe we’ll get an adorable penguin love story out of this!
Gentoo Penguin Chicks: Tiny and Full of Promise
In another exciting development, Bird Paradise has celebrated the successful hatching of gentoo penguin chicks, adding two new residents to its roster. Born on 25 and 27 Nov to first-time parents Riki and Peach, these fluffy newcomers are already drawing attention.
Riki and Peach are doing their best, but raising two chicks is no small task. Keepers have noticed that while the first chick is thriving, the second is being underfed. This prompted intervention from the park’s penguin care team. Hand-raising ensures the chick receives the nutrition and attention it needs to grow. Visitors can see the second chick during feeding sessions, while its sibling remains with the parents in the habitat.
A Commitment to Conservation
Bird Paradise, which opened in May 2023, is home to over 30 penguins across four species: gentoo, humboldt, king, and northern rockhopper. The facility continues the legacy of the former Jurong Bird Park, focusing on animal welfare and conservation.
The northern rockhopper penguins, in particular, are ambassadors for an endangered species facing threats like habitat degradation and climate change. The addition of Pascale and the successful hatching of the gentoo chicks represent significant milestones for the park’s efforts in penguin care and conservation.
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The stories of Pascale, Pierre, and the gentoo chicks are a delightful mix of resilience, care, and hope. Whether it’s watching Pascale settle into her new home or spotting the gentoo chicks during their feedings, a trip to Bird Paradise would undoubtedly give you an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of these remarkable cuties!
All images are credited to Mandai Wildlife Group
