Rocks may seem like a poor choice for nesting material. However, in the wild, these are the only building supplies these species have available in the largely barren landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. While other, more northerly-dwelling penguin species use plant fibers or other cozier materials in their nests, Gentoos and Macaronis have adapted to make best use of the hard stuff.
The coming of Rock Day brings with it not only a palpable air of excitement but a dramatic intensity that is infectious to watch. Some long-standing mates will likely pair up again, while some birds may split off to seek new partners. As they build their nests, some penguins will demonstrate remarkable engineering skills, especially considering their lack of hands. In contrast, others will resort to outright thievery to snatch the “best” rocks from their neighbors.
Penguins at the Aquarium are included in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which tracks genetic records to ensure pairings produce genetically healthy offspring. By encouraging breeding between individuals whose DNA is not over-represented within the limited population of penguins in human care, the Plan safeguards the overall health and wellbeing of the entire species.
Through its participation in the SSP, the Tennessee Aquarium and other institutions ensure healthy colonies of penguin can inspire guests by serving as ambassadors for their species now and into the future.
“We have to be smart and responsible for these birds,” Lee says. “We want to keep our populations at zoos and aquariums genetically diverse so that we can think about their future 40 to 50 years down the road.”
The nesting season can end as early as July or as late as October, depending on when eggs are laid and whether penguin chicks are hatched. If a penguin pairing produces a fertile egg, it will take approximately 40 days for chicks to emerge.
From the Rock Day frenzy to the potential arrival of chicks in the coming months, penguin fans who want to follow along with the drama and excitement of nesting season can check in on the birds via the Aquarium’s live Penguins Rock webcam.
The mission of the Tennessee Aquarium is to connect people with nature and inspire them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife.