The first penguin chick was born at the Vernadsky Antarctic Station: a symbolic addition.

According to ТСН: Recently, the first penguin chick appeared near the 'Vernadsky' station. This is quite an early hatching for subantarctic penguins on Galindez Island.

Symbolic Birth

Scientists noted that the chick came into the world at a symbolic time — just before Antarctica Day. Researchers point out that this year, penguins returned to the island earlier and began to set up their nests.

'We noticed the first pairings back in mid-September, and even then, it was not a rare phenomenon. So, this was normal behavior for the population,' said biologist Zoya Shvidka from the 30th UAE.

The specialist witnessed the birth of the penguin on a cliff near the geocosmic laboratory. She noted that the addition was expected.

'Indeed, there was a chick in the nest. Now there are already two,' the scientist reported.

Initially, the chicks are covered in gray down, which becomes denser and changes color over time. A month after birth, they start to molt, replacing down with feathers.

'For the first month, the parents take care of the chicks completely — feeding, warming, protecting them from predatory birds. Interestingly, mom and dad take turns: while one feeds in the ocean, the other stays at the nest. Then they switch roles,' the message states.

Earlier, hundreds of penguins returned to Galindez, and a video was published showing them swiftly gliding through the water and leaping onto the shore.

'In general, penguins can leap onto a high shore — up to 3 meters. However, they need to pick up speed in the water, then change their trajectory and 'fly' into the air. Although, when possible, they still prefer gentle shores and use familiar routes,' the message states.

Thousands of subantarctic penguins nest on Galindez Island every year.

This news delights many who follow the lives of penguins on Galindez Island. The early birth of the penguin chick indicates an active breeding phase among these birds, which may indicate a healthy population. It also highlights the importance of protecting the surrounding natural conditions to preserve these unique creatures in their environment. The coming weeks may bring even more new penguin chicks, which only adds optimism to the research in this field.