Penguin chicks hatch at city zoo

A city zoo is celebrating the arrival of nine gentoo penguin chicks.

Staff at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo will keep a close eye on the new arrivals as the first month is critical for them.

The first two eggs hatched on May 1 to parents Muffin and Mittens and it is hoped more chicks will emerge in the coming weeks.

Gentoo chicks weigh around 98g when they hatch, which is equivalent to half an avocado.

Edinburgh Zoo is home to more than 100 penguins from three species – king, northern rockhopper and gentoo.

The zoo’s penguin cam has a view over the gentoo nesting rings and can be watched 24 hours a day on edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/penguin-cam