Pairi Daiza Zoo in the Walloon province of Hainaut has celebrated a milestone with the arrival of Hera, its first king penguin born on-site. The young penguin made headlines after a challenging start to life but is now thriving in the park’s dedicated penguin area.
Hera, born on July 15, faced a tumultuous entry into the world. The chick was unable to hatch from her egg independently due to a serious developmental issue.
The problem stemmed from an incomplete closure of her coelomic wall, the fluid-filled cavity that separates internal organs from the body’s outer wall. This condition prevented Hera from emerging naturally, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
The park’s head veterinarian stepped in to perform a delicate surgical procedure, saving the 180-gram chick’s life. The operation was a success, and Hera was subsequently hand-fed by the park’s dedicated keepers for several weeks to ensure her survival and growth.
As of September 6, Hera has made remarkable progress. Now weighing over 4 kilograms, she has fully recovered from her initial health issues.
Her introduction to the penguin colony has been gradual, starting with a period of acclimatization in a protected alcove. During this time, Hera has been getting used to the various sights, sounds, and smells of her fellow penguins.
Pairi Daiza, known for its extensive and diverse collection of penguin species, has provided a fitting environment for Hera. The park houses King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, and Rockhopper Penguins, among other species, in its dedicated Penguin area. This environment offers a supportive and enriching habitat for the park’s penguin residents.
Hera’s successful birth and recovery mark a significant achievement for Pairi Daiza. The zoo, committed to the welfare and conservation of its animal residents, views Hera’s story as a testament to the dedication and expertise of its veterinary and care teams.
The young penguin’s progress has been a source of pride for the park, which continues to focus on providing optimal conditions for all its inhabitants.
As Hera integrates into her new home among the park’s penguin colony, visitors to Pairi Daiza can look forward to witnessing the growing chick’s development.
Hera’s journey from a challenging start to becoming a member of the penguin colony highlights the park’s ongoing efforts in animal care and conservation.
