Animal

Lesbian penguin couple become parents after first adopted chick hatches


Marama and Rocky have become proud parents to a little bundle of fluff (Picture: PA)

A same-sex penguin couple are ready to start life as a family after the hatching of their first adopted chick.

The two female Gentoo penguins have welcomed a little bundle of fluff at Sea Life in London.

Marama and Rocky have been together for five years and adopted the egg after demonstrating to the aquarium’s team that they would make good parents.

The egg was moved from its birth mum to relieve her of the pressure of raising two chicks.

The names and genders of the aquarium’s two latest arrivals have not yet been revealed.

Marama and Rocky who have been together for five years have become parents for the first time (Picture: PA)
The newborn’s sibling have also hatched (Picture: PA)
The pair have welcomed the pitter-patter of webbed feet in London (Picture: PA)
The chick arrived for Pride Month (Picture: PA)

General manager Graham McGrath said: ‘Marama and Rocky have taken to becoming parents like ducks to water – or should I say penguins.

‘Caring for a newborn is tough for anyone, from the sleepless nights to the constant feeding, yet this wonderful pair of penguin parents are completely unflappable and seem to be taking it all in their stride.’

Marama is the older of the pair and naturally more protective of the chick, while Rocky – who is free-spirited and inquisitive – is keen to teach the new arrival everything it needs to know about life as a penguin.

The new parents have built the biggest nest in the colony and each perform shifts, giving the other a chance to swim and feed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLDln_gN0j/?utm_source=ig_embed

Last week, penguins at ZSL London Zoo were photographed with an LGBTQ+ Pride banner to celebrate the annual parade.

Penguins are said to mate for life, and same-sex pairings have been observed both in the wild and in captivity.

The Gentoo chick is the second to be born at Sea Life London this year, as part of its conservation programme.





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