Penguins Hulk and Dumpling get in the Christmas spirit
Father Christmas, snow and.... two baby penguins, named Hulk and Dumpling.
The Gentoo penguin chicks are celebrating their first Christmas after hatching at the National Sea Life Centre six months ago.
The rare pair are part of a global breeding programme launched after the decline in Gentoo penguin numbers in the wild.
Their parents crossed continents to conceive, coming all the way to Birmingham from as far as Canada and New Zealand.
Staff at the centre gave the pair their names due their respective sizes at birth.
And this week, they received a visit from Santa, who brought them some squeaky festive toys as part of their enrichment.
Penguin Keeper Hayley Roberts said: "Gentoo penguins are naturally very curious creatures, so we try and encourage this behaviour by introducing fun new toys for them to play with into their environment.
"It helps to nurture their natural inquisitive behaviour.
"Santa was of course delighted to pay them a visit; their cold climate meant he felt right at home.
"For the babies it’s the first time they’ve encountered Santa - they are very excited as they’ve been good all year."
People can see the penguins over the festive season at the centre. Tickets and more information can be sought at www.sealife.co.uk/birmingham
