Riverbanks Zoo Welcomes Baby Penguin

The coolest baby in town isn't wearing designer duds and eco-friendly diapers. 

The baby Rockhopper penguin is content hanging out on the zoo's Penguin Coast for now, until it makes a public debut later.

The birth is the first since "Chillen Jillen" in 2011. 

“At this time, the hatchling’s nest is located in an enclosed area for the bird’s safety,” said Martin Vince, curator of birds at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Once the chick has developed its waterproof feathers, at about three months old, and is able to swim in the 40-degree water, the safety barrier will be removed and the bird will be visible to the public.”

Riverbanks is also home to a one-month-old Caribbean flamingo and two six-week-old Toco toucans.

Come back to St. Andrews Patch for updates on this story and info on when the penguin's public debut will be.