Little Rock Zoo Hatches First Penguin Chick

The Little Rock Zoo has announced that its first penguin chick was hatched last month.  The chick has grown from one tenth of a pound to just over two pounds in less than a month.  The parents are keeping it warm in the nest box and feeding it regurgitated fish.  Zoo officials don’t expect the chick to be on exhibit until it’s at least 70 days old or until the parents let it out of the nest.  This penguin family is part of about a dozen African black foot penguins on exhibit in Penguin Pointe.  The hatching of the chick was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for the African penguin to ensure the long-term survival of endangered and threatened animals.

The Little Rock Zoo is the state’s largest and only accredited zoo and has been in operation since 1926.  It also houses a great ape exhibit which is one of only a few in the world with all three species of great apes:  orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas.  Other exhibits include an African veldt, grizzly bears, lorikeet landing, elephants, lemur island, and many more.  The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Admission is $10.00 for adults, and parking is an additional $2.00.

The zoo is just 1 1/2 hours from Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast.  Little Rock makes a great and easy day trip during your stay here.  After the zoo, you may want to eat at one of the many restaurants along The River Market; tour the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum; or visit Heifer Village at Heifer International.  Stop by The Old Mill, featured in opening scenes of  “Gone With The Wind”, or drive through the Quapaw Quarter Historic Homes before returning to Hot Springs, where your comfy bed awaits after a great day of exploring!

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