The first penguin chicks of the year have hatched at Curraghs Wildlife Park.

The newborn Humboldt penguins will spend up to six weeks in nesting boxes, which are built into the enclosure, before joining the 25-strong colony.

Three chicks have hatched since April 13, while up to three more might emerge any day.

For the park staff, the first indication that a chick has hatched comes when they arrive with the morning feed.

Animal keeper Bernie Cannan said: ’It’s fantastic to hear the little chirping sounds when you go to feed the parents.’

The parents are fed five times a day during nesting season.

Humboldt penguins tend to have a single chick each year, but this year’s batch includes one couple that have laid two eggs.

The second chick, once hatched, will be placed in the care of the ideal foster parents: a resident penguin couple that nest every year but don’t produce offspring of their own.

Last year they successfully reared another chick that was placed with them.

Although the park remains closed to visitors, the staff are offering a ’Virtual Wildlife Park’ experience via social media, sharing live videos and photos of the animals virtually every day.

Park general manager Kathleen Graham said: ’We’re just trying to keep people connected to nature, and what’s going on in the park, until the public can come and visit us again.’

For live videos and daily updates check the Curraghs Wildlife Park Facebook page. Alternatively, find the park on Instagram or Twitter @lizwildlifepark