Mike Aguilerra/Sea World via Getty Images

An emperor penguin hatched at SeaWorld stands next to stuffed toys in San Diego, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 4. The 3-week-old, 2-pound chick hatched in mid-September and is being raised by the SeaWorld's aviculturists in a behind-the-scenes nursery. This marks the 21st emperor penguin to hatch at the park since 1980. SeaWorld San Diego pronounces itself as world-renowned for its successful penguin breeding program. They report they have raised more than 500 penguin chicks representing eight species in the last 30 years. The chick is expected to go on public display in about four months.

Cutest. Thing. Ever.

I'm not much of a softie for cute animal photos, but this was irresistable.

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absolutely precious

    Reply#1 - Fri Oct 8, 2010 12:30 PM EDT

    I read that, full grown, this chick will weigh 99 lbs and stand 4 feet high.

      Reply#2 - Fri Oct 8, 2010 7:41 PM EDT

      Too cute! Wonder if it will be taught to dance like Mumbles (from Happy Feet) or sing like Gloria (from Happy Feet) :-)

        Reply#3 - Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:00 PM EDT
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