A new Humboldt penguin that was hatched Dec. 15, 2024 at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. (Courtesy of Lincoln Children's Zoo)LINCOLN–(KFOR Jan. 15)–A Humboldt penguin chick was hatched on Dec. 15, 2024 at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the offspring of mom, Sharkbait, and dad, John Henry. Zoo officials are waiting to find out the results of a blood test to determine the sex of the penguin chick, with that and the name to be announced at a later time. Humboldt penguins usually hatch between 43 and 48 days after an egg is laid. Zoo staff members say the parents have been guarding their chick since it hatched, by keeping it warm and feeding it. The chick’s hatch weight was 72 grams and as of Monday, it weighed 1160 grams. Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO Evan Killeen says the zoo plays an important role in animal conservation and protecting species from extinction. “The birth of a vulnerable species, such as Humboldt penguins, is incredibly important for these conservation efforts since they face a high risk of extinction in the wild,” Killeen said in a news release to KFOR. Sharkbait and John Henry are currently caring for the chick in a nest box behind the scenes. The chick will continue to spend its time off-exhibit as it continues to grow and develop its waterproof feathers.