Shanghai park holds ceremony for newly-arrived African penguin chick

Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World held a special naming ceremony on Monday for the first African penguin chick to be successfully bred at the facility in 14 years.

Hatched on Sept 20, weighing 61.3 grams, the birth of the penguin since named Mao Mao was hailed as a significant achievement in protecting the critically endangered species and as an indication of the dedication of the conservation team at the facility in Shanghai's Putuo district. The success of the breeding has been attributed to the recent ecological upgrade of the venue's beach exhibition area, which replicates the species' native habitat.

Mao Mao's name is intended as a tribute to the growth of industry in Putuo and the vitality of the environment in Changfeng Park.

Monday's event also featured a student-led penguin dance, while visitors were able to interact with the chick.