TERRY’S PENGUIN BLOG

9 January 2013

It’s all about discovery at the moment. The penguin chicks are endlessly curious and venture farther and farther outside their nests—including our own Pip. He has now made a couple trips to the colony, and we’re proud (and relieved) that he’s beginning to make friends. He still appreciates his humans, though.

Here’s a picture you’ve just got to love: Veronica reading a chapter of Great Expectations to Pip. He looks rather interested, doesn’t he? He’s been a great comfort to Veronica recently as she’s suffering from a chest infection. Absolutely nothing to worry about, though.

You’ll notice how much Pip has grown, and we can detect real feathers growing beneath his baby down. These feathers are the works, his proper and much-needed wet suit.

Normally, a young penguin’s first encounter with the sea is a shock to the system. The juveniles will gasp and flounder in the waves, hurled and swirled about with no idea of their own abilities . . . until suddenly they go under and realize they can achieve amazing aqua-balletic feats.

Pip has already had several encounters with taps and basins. We’ll do our utmost to ensure he is also at home with his fellow penguins before he takes the big plunge—which will be soon, now.