Great news for penguin lovers! You no longer need to travel far-off places like Australia, Africa, South America, or even Antarctica to see these adorable creatures, as Mumbai now has three cute penguin chicks! Yes, you read that correctly, Noddy, Tom, and Pingu have made their home at the Byculla Zoo.
These three Humboldt penguins were born between March 3 and March 11 and mark the first successful hatching in over a year at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Vanaspati Udyan and Zoo in Byculla. The zoo officials excitedly announced the new arrivals and shared their charming names—Tom, Noddy, and Pingu.
The penguin chicks were born to two pairs of Humboldt penguins residing in the zoo. The first to arrive was Noddy (a male) on March 4, followed by Tom (also male) on March 7, and then Pingu (a female) on March 11. In about three months, the little ones will have the opportunity to explore their pool area.
Byculla Zoo Took To Its Social Media On 25th April To Announce This News
आता आमचं पेंग्विन कुटुंब झाला २१ सदस्यांचं!
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वीरमाता जिजाबाई भोसले वनस्पती उद्यान आणि प्राणिसंग्रहालयात – नॉडी (४ मार्च), टॉम (७ मार्च), आणि पिंगू (११ मार्च) ह्या तीन गोंडस पेंग्विन बाळांचा जन्म झाला आहे.
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ह्या चिमुकल्यांना भेटायला तुम्ही कधी येणार? pic.twitter.com/pnqwMdOp3M— The Mumbai Zoo (@TheMumbaiZoo) April 25, 2025
The parents of these adorable chicks, Popeye and Olive, along with Daisy and Donald, are long-time residents of Byculla Zoo. The birth announcement was shared on social media on April 25, coinciding with World Penguin Day, which made it even more special.
It’s worth noting that this is the first instance of penguin hatchlings at Byculla Zoo in over a year; previously, three penguins were born in 2023. With the addition of Tom, Noddy, and Pingu, the total penguin population at the zoo now stands at 21. In July 2016, Byculla Zoo introduced eight penguins, and the facility can hold up to 25. Plans are underway to expand the zoo by 400 square feet, allowing for more breeding space while ensuring the current residents thrive.
The baby penguins are reportedly healthy and flourishing under the care of their parents and the dedicated zoo staff.
