Born Jan 1, the penguin arrived in the aquarium’s Penguin Care and Conservation Center in the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit, which opened July 2022.

The chick becomes the first Little Blue Penguin to hatch on the West Coast and will be hand-raised by the aquarium’s penguin care team and kept from public view for now.

Birch is “beyond excited to welcome this adorable new addition,” Assistant Curator of Birds Kayla Strate said in a statement. 

“Each breeding success makes a meaningful addition to the genetic diversity of Little Blue Penguin populations in the U.S.,” she said.

“Birch Aquarium has significantly expanded its breeding and conservation efforts over the years,” said Harry Helling, executive director. “The hatching of our first Little Blue Penguin chick is a major milestone for how today’s aquariums can make a difference in a changing planet.”

The chick – gender to be announced soon – is currently covered in fluffy down feathers, however these feathers are not waterproof. The next significant milestone will be the chick’s first molt in about three months, when it grows in a sleek set of waterproof feathers. At that time, the penguin will be ready to join the rest of the colony in the exhibit.