Seven penguin chicks hatched for a species facing extinction

Seven African penguin chicks have hatched at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, a record nesting season for a species that scientists once expected to be extinct by now. Five hatched recently, joining two that arrived in May. Staff are calling the group the Lucky Seven. "We thought we were lucky with our first two chicks, but welcoming five more has made this an unforgettable year," said Courtnie Barnett, the aquarium's general manager, who credited the animal care team. African penguins are the only penguins found in the Old World, living along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. Their numbers have fallen throughout the 21st century. In March, environmental groups reached a settlement in South Africa expanding no-fishing zones around six key breeding colonies, the first legal action of its kind in the country. The two May chicks are named Chel and Vic. The other five are still waiting.