Photos released of Humboldt penguins born at Colchester Zoo

Zookeepers welcomed the pair in April after they were hatched by parents Chile and Pepper. 

The Humboldt penguins are listed as vulnerable, so the chicks will help the conservation of the species. 

The adorable new penguins have been looked after by the animal care team (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Colchester Zoo said its animal care team had to help the parents after one of the chicks was not growing as fast as the other.

A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said: "After monitoring this individual chick’s weight every day with no improvement, the difficult decision was made to hand rear the smaller chick whilst the other stayed with mum and dad in the nest. 

"Since the Animal Care Team began caring for the new arrival, it has started to gain weight but this still is a vulnerable time for the chick.

"We do hope that we will be able to reintroduce the little chick back to its nest soon and will keep you updated with any news."