September 11, 2019

Anna Murray 

Same-sex penguin couple raised a genderless chick in London Aquarium. The 4-month-old chick was adopted by the same gender couple, Marama and Rocky. Their stable relationship has been maintained for 5 years. They prepared a new nest for the new comer and took turn to feed the baby penguin. These actions proved that they were qualified to take care of baby penguins. 

Newborn penguin in Sea Life was usually given the name and tags by gender differences. However, this 4-month-old chick hasn’t been given a name yet. Sea Life decided to give the purple band to identify the gender of neutral. 

Graham McGrath, the general manager of the aquarium, stated that even though gender identity would be a huge issue for human beings, before penguins turn into mature adults, it was natural for them to develop in genderless identities. 

It was the first time for Sea Life London Aquarium to bring up a genderless chick. The outcome was successful. The happy and healthy chick proved that Marama and Rocky were good parents to nurture the newborn penguin. 

Besides, Sea Life London Aquarium was not the first case to raise a genderless chick. Sydney Sea Life Aquarium and Denmark zoo have the same experience to raise a genderless chick. 

Photo:Webshot.