“As well as our male-female penguin couples, this breeding season we also have two female same-sex couples who are also going through their nesting rituals.”
The aquarium, which will open to the public again on Monday (17 May) as coronavirus restrictions ease, is keeping a close eye on the penguin romance, weighing the penguins and assessing their nest-building.
Pritchard added: “Our expert care team are monitoring the penguins’ progress and we’re hoping that we’re lucky enough to add a new chick to the colony when we welcome guests back.”
While Marmalade and Chickpea are a new lesbian penguin couple, Marama and Rocky are remaining committed to each other this mating season after already raising a chick together.
During Pride month 2019, the couple hatched an egg given to them by staff after another penguin mother couldn’t handle the pressure of two babies.
Sea Life’s Graham McGrath said: “Marama and Rocky have taken to becoming parents like ducks to water – or should I say penguins.
“Caring for a newborn is tough for anyone, from the sleepless nights to the constant feeding, yet this wonderful pair of penguin parents are completely unflappable and seem to be taking it all in their stride.”