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  • January 28, 2025

Birth of a penguin at the Biodôme

  • Biodôme
The chick’s health is closely monitored by the Biodôme’s specialists.
Photo: Espace pour la vie | Biodôme
The chick’s health is closely monitored by the Biodôme’s specialists.

Last November 5, a northern rockhopper penguin was born at the Biodôme after an incubation of 35 days, joining a colony of 15 individuals.

Few individuals in the wild and in captivity

Unfortunately, in light of the significant decline in its population, its limited range and the growing threats it encounters in its habitat, the northern rockhopper penguin figures on the red list of endangered species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Among all the zoological institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), only three establishments provide a home for this species. And it mustn’t be confused with other species of rockhopper penguin, notably with the southern rockhopper penguin, which as a species is quite abundant in captivity.

Genetic diversity

The Biodôme is the only institution in North America to have had any breeding success with this species. Moreover, the recent arrival of six new northern rockhopper penguins from the Vienna zoo will provide new blood to help maintain genetic diversity, thus ensuring captive populations over the long term.

Come meet our penguins!

The Biodôme is home to five penguin species: the Mosely rockhopper penguin,  the macaroni penguin, the chinstrap penguin, the gentoo penguin and the king penguin.

Take advantage of your next visit to observe this chick in action with its fellows in the Sub-Antarctic Islands ecosystem at the Biodôme.