Worcestershire’s penguin community have proved themselves to be loveable feathered friends by welcoming a new chick to their cove.

Humboldt penguins from West Midland Safari Park played host to ‘Hoiho’, a yellow-eyed penguin sculpture, whose huddle will make county streets and public spaces their home in summer 2024.

The great Waddle of Worcester will see 80 penguins, large and small, dotted around the city for eight weeks from July 22, before each large sculpture is auctioned to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Alongside adult penguin sculptures, there will be an array of chicks on display which will be carefully designed and painted by Worcestershire schools and community groups.

West Midland Safari Park will sponsor a large penguin on the six-mile art trail and support the creation of the event’s penguin pack; offering fun and engaging facts about the feathered friends.

Chris Kelly, managing director of West Midland Safari Park, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Hoiho to penguin cove to splash around with our huddle of Humboldts. Their adorable waddle makes them huge stars here at the park and we know Worcester’s waddle will be equally loved next summer.

“We’re very proud to be sponsoring a penguin and supporting the hospice in its fortieth year caring for the local community. We’re celebrating West Midland Safari Park’s fiftieth year this year so know how important it is to mark key milestones with your wonderful team who make it all possible.”

Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard’s, said: “We’re so grateful to our friends at West Midland Safari Park for joining our hospice huddle once again and allowing Hoiho and myself to enjoy a penguin play date at the park.

“It was an absolute honour to be able to feed the safari park’s penguins and watch them interact. Seeing these beautiful creatures up close reinforces why we chose penguins for the great Waddle of Worcester; they’re just so loveable!”

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

A couple of large penguins are still available for sponsorship. To get involved call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester online social media and online at: www.waddleofworcester.co.uk