Twycross Zoo celebrates HATRICK of breeding successes!
29th May 2025
We're delighted to announce the successful arrival of two Humboldt penguin chicks and a baby De Brazza's monkey, both of which are part of important European conservation breeding programmes
The Humboldt penguin chicks, recently hatched, are thriving in their nest boxes, where they will remain until they reach approximately 70 days old, cared for by both mum and dad. As they emerge, they’ll be noticeable to visitors at Twycross Zoo, retaining their distinctive fluffy grey juvenile feathers for another year.
Humboldt penguins are known for their monogamous partnerships, and these two chicks come from experienced parents who have successfully bred at the zoo before, making another vital contribution to the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP) – which aims to create a healthy population of endangered species, in zoos, to act as a support for their wild counterparts.
Over the past 4 decades, Humboldt penguins have experienced significant decline due to habitat loss and the impacts of climate change. Twycross Zoo is proud to play a crucial role in their conservation.
Adding to the arrival of the chicks, Twycross Zoo is also celebrating the birth of a De Brazza’s monkey. As a first-time mother, the young female is displaying exceptional maternal instincts, successfully rearing her newborn. Her confidence stems from watching and learning from older female primates within her group – a natural behaviour that helps ensure successful parenting. Having observed multiple births during her early years, she was well-equipped to embrace motherhood herself.
Matthew Ford, Curator of Primates at Twycross Zoo, commented on the new arrivals: “Every birth at Twycross Zoo is a testament to the dedication of our team and the collaborative efforts of the EAZA Ex-situ programmes. They highlight the important role zoos play in safeguarding wildlife for the future, ensuring we maintain a genetically diverse population of species facing extinction, to act as a support system for their wild counterparts.
It's particularly exciting to see animals thriving under our care, and helping to contribute to vital conservation efforts.”
The newborn De Brazza’s monkey, part of an EEP, represents an important addition to the species population. Although for now baby remains closely bonded with its mother, zookeepers will be able to determine the sex in the coming months as it gains confidence and begins to explore independently.
As a zoo, we remain dedicated to inspiring visitors and supporting global conservation initiatives. As a charity, visitors can support this work by purchasing a ticket, where they will also benefit from gaining 12-months of zoo entry for the price of a day.
