Emperor Penguin Chick "No. 44" Becomes Independent! Moved to an Area with New Companions, Aligning with Wild Cycles
Emperor penguin chick "No. 44," born last September, has reached its independence day on April 15, 2026. It has moved to a new habitat with other penguin species to foster social skills and support its growth, reflecting the park's commitment to conservation for this endangered species.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 21:57
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 10:43 (93h 12m after Collected)
The emperor penguin chick "No. 44," born on September 30th last year, reached its "independence" day today, April 15, 2026 (Wednesday).
Emperor penguins shed their downy feathers for waterproof ones around six months of age, and in the wild, young penguins leave for the sea when their parents do. At our park, we support their independence and growth into adulthood by moving them to different rooms, based on this natural wild lifecycle.
Around 10:20 AM today, a weight measurement was conducted first. Afterward, the move officially began. Guided by an animal entertainer (keeper), "No. 44" smoothly entered the dedicated wooden transport box without showing signs of hesitation.
Around 10:30 AM, the move from the "Sea Animal Hall 2nd Floor Penguin Exhibition Area," where it had been living, to the adjacent room was completed.
In the new room, not only emperor penguins but also Adelie penguins and Gentoo penguins—three species in total—live together. Surrounded by companions it is meeting for the first time, "No. 44" has started its new life and has shown a calm demeanor immediately after the move.
This move is a crucial milestone for "No. 44" to foster sociality among companions it is meeting for the first time. It is also an important environmental preparation for adult penguins to align with a breeding cycle close to that of the wild, in preparation for the next breeding season. Our park will further accelerate our efforts for the conservation of this species, recently designated as "endangered," by supporting natural breeding and challenging the establishment of artificial insemination technology.
Please continue to warmly watch over the growth of "No. 44" as it climbs the stairs to adulthood, one step at a time ☆
* Emperor penguin chicks can continue to be viewed on the 2nd floor of the Sea Animal Hall.
Emperor penguins shed their downy feathers for waterproof ones around six months of age, and in the wild, young penguins leave for the sea when their parents do. At our park, we support their independence and growth into adulthood by moving them to different rooms, based on this natural wild lifecycle.
Around 10:20 AM today, a weight measurement was conducted first. Afterward, the move officially began. Guided by an animal entertainer (keeper), "No. 44" smoothly entered the dedicated wooden transport box without showing signs of hesitation.
Around 10:30 AM, the move from the "Sea Animal Hall 2nd Floor Penguin Exhibition Area," where it had been living, to the adjacent room was completed.
In the new room, not only emperor penguins but also Adelie penguins and Gentoo penguins—three species in total—live together. Surrounded by companions it is meeting for the first time, "No. 44" has started its new life and has shown a calm demeanor immediately after the move.
This move is a crucial milestone for "No. 44" to foster sociality among companions it is meeting for the first time. It is also an important environmental preparation for adult penguins to align with a breeding cycle close to that of the wild, in preparation for the next breeding season. Our park will further accelerate our efforts for the conservation of this species, recently designated as "endangered," by supporting natural breeding and challenging the establishment of artificial insemination technology.
Please continue to warmly watch over the growth of "No. 44" as it climbs the stairs to adulthood, one step at a time ☆
* Emperor penguin chicks can continue to be viewed on the 2nd floor of the Sea Animal Hall.