Rare penguins migrate from Island to (Northern) Ireland

Waddle of Humboldt penguins move to new home

A group of rare penguins have crossed the Irish sea from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland.

Fourteen Humboldt penguins, including ten chicks hatched last year, made the journey as part of an international breeding programme.

Curraghs Wildlife Park says the move comes after months of planning, after it describes a 'record year for the South American species' classed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

Their new home is now the Exploris aquariem in Portaferry.

The park describes the task as challenging 'at the best of times', but especially in current circumstances regarding Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.

The group of penguins known as a 'waddle' will continue to part of the European Endangered Species breeding programme.