Draper aquarium hatches Gentoo penguin chick

A Gentoo penguin chick hatched June 26 at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, the facility announced Sept. 3.

The chick's parents are Meg and Ghost Rider, two of the Gentoo penguins housed in the aquarium's Penguin Research Station. The aquarium's husbandry and veterinary teams have been monitoring the chick as it hits growth milestones, the Draper Journal reported.

Staff won't know the chick's sex until after its first molt.

Ari Fustukjian, vice president of zoological operations, said in a press release that welcoming a new chick "is always an exciting moment for our team." He called it rewarding to share the milestone with visitors and said he hopes the chick inspires appreciation for the species.

The Penguin Research Station, sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union, also houses Macaroni penguins alongside the Gentoo colony. Gentoos are the fastest-swimming penguin species, reaching speeds of 22 miles per hour, according to the aquarium's website. They are the third-largest penguin species and stand about 30 inches tall. Their diet consists of fish, krill and squid.

The aquarium ran a social media series called "Love on Thin Ice" during the 2026 breeding season, following the colony's courtship on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The new chick is one result of that season.

Visitors can see the chick at the Penguin Research Station during regular hours. The aquarium, at 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy., is open Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission starts at $17.95; children 2 and under enter free.

For a closer look, the aquarium offers Penguin Encounters at 1 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Tickets run $49.95 to $74.95 per person, or $39.96 to $59.96 for members. The encounters often sell out more than a month ahead, so the aquarium recommends booking early.

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