The world’s smallest species of penguin has successfully bred at Sea Life in Weymouth, the first chicks of their kind to be hatched in Europe.
The six fairy penguins, also known as little penguins, were born to a colony that was rehomed at the centre in Dorset when its sanctuary in Manly, Australia, had to close in 2018.
The chicks will grow to an average of 13in (33cm) in height.
Tamsin Mutton-Mcknight, general manager of the aquarium, said: “We are thrilled that our breeding programme has started so well.
“It was always our plan to create a sustainable population of fairy penguins in Europe to educate people about this fascinating species of penguin.
“We are looking forward to introducing our new little residents to visitors soon.”
