First-time father penguin 'not coming back to the nest' to help with endangered chicks

'He enjoyed having a swim too often in the pool, and the mother was left virtually on her own,' Dingle Oceanworld director Kevin Flannery says

While the arrival of the chicks is being celebrated in Kerry, aquarists have had to step in to assist with the care of one chick after its father, Gary, repeatedly failed to return to the nest from swims in the pool. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Three endangered Humboldt penguin chicks have hatched at Dingle Oceanworld, but one new dad is struggling with his parental duties.

While the arrival of the chicks is being celebrated in Kerry, aquarists have had to step in to assist with the care of one chick after its father, Gary, repeatedly failed to return to the nest from swims in the pool.