Meet Pebbles: The Adorable New Penguin Arrival at Paradise Park

Houdini the ‘Outdoor’ Penguin Welcomes Her First Chick

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating a rare and delightful event as one of their Humboldt’s Penguins, Houdini, has successfully hatched her first chick. Visitors to the sanctuary have had the unique opportunity to witness the chick’s development, thanks to Houdini’s unconventional nesting habits.

A Famous Escape Artist

Houdini, a 29-year-old penguin, has long been a favourite among visitors. Keeper Becky Waite reminisces about Houdini’s younger days, “She is a friendly penguin, famous for escaping the enclosure in her younger days, hence her name. She would scale the waterfall, and using rocks for leverage, would jump up and over the wall.” Unlike her peers, Houdini has always preferred the outdoors, rejecting the specially built huts in favour of making her nests in full view of the public.

Photo: Penguin chick Pebbles snuggles up with mum Houdini outside in the enclosure at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary – Credit: Paradise Park

Finding the Perfect Partner

Despite her outgoing nature, Houdini struggled to find a committed partner until about five years ago, when she paired up with Rory, a 9-year-old penguin. The couple faced several challenges in their early attempts at breeding. “They produced eggs on a few occasions, but sadly, the eggs were not successful,” Becky explained. Predation by gulls and the pair’s inexperience were significant hurdles. “Sometimes we have to coax her into eating as she can be so broody.”

Photo: Houdini and Rory on the nest – Credit: Paradise Park

Overcoming Challenges

Determined to support Houdini and Rory, the sanctuary took precautions against bird flu by adding netting over the enclosure, preventing gulls from reaching the penguins or their water. This year, the efforts paid off when an egg pipped, and a chick fully hatched on the 27th of June. This rare event unfolded in full view of the visitors, a spectacle that typically remains hidden in the dens.

Introducing Pebbles

The new chick, named Pebbles, is a testament to the persistence and care of Houdini and Rory. Becky notes, “It is unusual to be able to see a chick developing at this early age, as it would normally be happening out of sight in one of the dens, so we are very lucky.” Pebbles’ name is inspired by the meticulous way Humboldt’s Penguins choose and arrange pebbles before laying their eggs.

This summer, visitors to Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary have the extraordinary chance to share in this special experience. The sanctuary has also set up a live webcam, allowing people to watch Pebbles and her parents from anywhere in the world.

View the live webcam here and witness this heartwarming family grow and thrive.

Photo: Rory looking immensely proud of little Pebbles! – Credit: Paradise Park