The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It

Monday, October 29, 2018

'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It


At the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia, caretakers noticed that two male gentoo penguins, Sphen and Magic, had become inseparable. During breeding season, the pair were constantly seen swimming together and waddling around together. Then they began presenting each other with pebbles, a clear sign of romantic interest. (For penguins, pebbles are like diamonds, demonstrating they wish to become a couple.)

The aquarium quickly noticed Sphen and Magic had formed a serious bond. "They recognized each other’s signature calls and songs," said Penguin Department Supervisor Tish Hannan. "Only bonded penguins will be able to successfully find their partner using their calls when they are separated." When the couple constructed a nest out of stones, caretakers provided them with a dummy egg to practice incubating.

To read more on this story, click here: 'Gay' Penguins Manage to Successfully Hatch Baby Chick and Are Taking Turns to Look After It

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