KEEPERS at a wildlife attraction are celebrating after the first of a record number of Humboldt penguin eggs hatched out successfully.

So far three chicks have been born at Birdland Park and Gardens, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

They are the first of a dozen eggs which have been laid by six different penguin couples, a record amount in a single breeding season.

Head keeper Alistair Keen said: "The three chicks which have hatched out so far are all doing really well.

"We decided to leave all the eggs with the parents and we now have six out of a possible seven pairs all either sitting on eggs or looking after chicks.

"We are not entirely sure what has prompted such a bumper season but we are keeping our fingers crossed it will encourage our colony of king penguins to join the baby boom over the coming weeks."

The Humboldt is a South American penguin which can be found in and around coastal Peru and Chile.

The penguin gets its name from the cold water current it swims in, which was discovered by the explorer Alexander von Humboldt.

Humboldt penguins reach a maximum height of 70 centimetres and weigh up to six kilogrammes.

With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland, in Bourton-on-the-Water features more than 500 birds, ranging from birds of prey and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.