Newly hatched baby penguins weigh the same as a kiwi

By Elizabeth Hunter

Adorable photos show newly hatched penguin chicks - who weigh roughly the same as a kiwi fruit.

Two Northern Rockhopper penguins have been born at Edinburgh Zoo, to parents Bruce and Pinhead.

The chicks have been named Wesley and Penny, and weigh 63g and 95g respectively - roughly the same weight as a standard kiwi fruit.

In new photographs, the chicks can be seen at one of their weigh-ins, which happen daily for the first 30 days of their life to ensure they are developing normally.

During each check, a keeper gently lifts the chick from beneath its parent and places it on a scale, where its weight is recorded before it is carefully returned.

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Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo say the chicks have "already wooed them" with their personalities.

Alison MacLean, animal team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “This is my favorite time of year.

"The chicks are so tiny at this stage, weighing the same a small kiwi fruit.

"One is very vocal at weigh-in while the other prefers to snuggle under the parents and avoid the spotlight.

“What makes this extra special is that Northern rockhoppers are Endangered.

"Being able to contribute to the breeding program, which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population in zoos, is wonderful.”