Techniques for propagating King and Emperor penguins Aptenodytes patagonica and A. forsteri at Sea World, San Diego

Published source details Todd F.S. (1987) Techniques for propagating King and Emperor penguins Aptenodytes patagonica and A. forsteri at Sea World, San Diego. International Zoo Yearbook, 26, 110-124.
Share Tweet Email

Summary

Use captive breeding to increase or maintain populations of seabirds

A study in 1966–1976 at Sea World San Diego, California, USA (Todd 1987) reported that emperor penguins Aptenodytes forsteri successfully bred in captivity. Between 1975 and 1977, sixty emperor penguins were moved from Antarctica to 10 x 30 m chilled enclosure. The first two eggs were laid in 1979. Both were infertile. In 1980–1982, the penguins laid 17 eggs, of which seven (41%) hatched. Six hatchlings (86%) were raised to fledging (two with human assistance; see ‘Artificially incubate and hand-rear birds in captivity’). In 1983, the colony was moved to a public exhibit. In 1983–1986, the penguins laid 22 eggs, of which three (14%) hatched. All three hatchlings (100%) were raised to fledging (two with human assistance). Both enclosures were kept <0°C, were supplied with crushed ice, had saltwater pools, and had lighting that matched the penguins’ natural habitat.

Artificially incubate and hand-rear penguins in captivity

A replicated study in 1980–1982 at Sea World San Diego, California, USA (Todd 1987) reported on the successful incubation and hand-rearing of three king penguins Aptenodytes patagonica. One of these required assistance to hatch and intensive care, with diarrhoea medication, in the first week after hatching. A fourth, abandoned egg hatched with assistance but died after three days. All eggs were taken from captive parents. They were incubated at 35.3°C. Chicks were initially fed blended krill Euphausia superba, herring Clupea harengus, cream, yeast, vitamins/minerals and other supplements. They were gradually weaned on to solid fish as they grew.

A replicated study in 1982–1983 at Sea World San Diego, California, USA (Todd 1987) reported on the successful incubation and hand-rearing of four emperor penguins Aptenodytes forsteri. Three chicks were neglected by their captive parents. They were taken into care at 2, 3 and 34 days old respectively, then hand-fed until fledging. One required intensive care over the first week in care. Chicks were initially fed blended krill Euphausia superba, herring Clupea harengus, cream, yeast, vitamins/minerals and other supplements. They were gradually weaned on to solid fish as they grew. One egg was taken from its parents when it started to crack due to damage. It was incubated for six days then returned to its parents when it started to hatch. It was reared to fledging by its parents.