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WATCH: 1 of 2 penguin chicks hatch at National Aviary

PITTSBURGH — The first of two African penguin chicks hatched at the National Aviary on Monday, and thanks to a newly installed high-resolution camera, viewers can get an intimate look inside their nesting cave.

One of the National Aviary’s penguin specialists noticed unusual movement on the camera Monday morning, and shortly before noon, he heard what sounded like a chick. By mid-afternoon, he was able to check the nest and get visual confirmation.

WATCH LIVE: National Aviary’s penguin nest cam

A second egg still remains in the nest and is expected to hatch within the next few days.

Viewers of the penguin nest cam can expect to see the penguin parents, Sidney and Bette, continuing to incubate the second egg, simultaneously keeping the first chick warm. A newly hatched penguin chick is slightly larger than a golf ball in size, so viewers may not easily see it right away.

Because of Sidney and Bette’s past breeding successes, National Aviary officials said they’re optimistic that all will continue to go well.

If all goes as anticipated, National Aviary officials said the penguin chicks will remain in the nest for the first three to four weeks. They will then be moved inside to be hand-reared by National Aviary staff.

This special upbringing will ensure they are ready to fulfill their future roles as ambassadors for their species in the National Aviary’s educational and interactive programs.

The public is invited to watch the cam at www.PenguinNestCam.org, and visitors to the National Aviary can see the cave and catch a glimpse of parents Sidney and Bette.

The National Aviary’s Penguin Point exhibit is home to 17 African penguins.

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