THREE Humboldt penguin chicks have successfully hatched at Birdland Park and Gardens. They are the first to hatch of a dozen eggs which have been laid by six different penguin couples – a record amount in a single breeding season.

The chicks are with their parents and doing well.

Keeper Alistair Keen hopes this is the start of a trend. “We are not entirely sure what has prompted such a bumper season but we are keeping our fingers crossed it will encourage our colony of king penguins to join the baby boom over the coming weeks,” he said.

The Humbolt is a South African penguin which reaches a maximum height of 70cm. They are listed as a 'Vulnerable' animal, as in the wild the penguins are under threat from climate change, overfishing and the acidification of oceans.

Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is open from 10am daily. For more information visit: www.birdland.co.uk