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外刊阅读热点话题
培优练3人与动物
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A
An Arizona aquarium is celebrating the hatching of three endangered African penguin
chicks,saying the tiny additions are genetically valuable as zoos and aquariums around
the world work to ensure the species'survival through breeding (programs and
conservation efforts.
Officials at OdySea Aquarium made the announcement on Friday,posting the video of
the cute birds on social media.They hatched a few weeks ago and will remain behind
the scenes with their parents until they're ready for a public appearance.
African penguins have suffered a massive population decline over the decades and are
listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.So any
successful hatching is cause for celebration,said Jessica Peranteau,director of animal
training and education at the aquarium.
"As the population of the African penguin continues to rapidly decline-down 23%
in the past two years alone-OdySea Aquarium remains committed to the survival of
the species in partnership with Association of Zoos and Aquariums,"Peranteau said
in a statement.The breeding program established by the organization aims to build up a
gene bank for the species.
Officials say two of the three new chicks in Scottsdale were born to parents Mojo and
Lemieux-a power couple of sorts that was selected for pairing as part of the breeding
program.The third chick was born to first-time parents Bubbles and Weasley.
Aquarium workers will regularly conduct "chick checks",brief exams to monitor
their growth and development and ensure they are hitting all necessary milestones.The
three chicks have yet to be named,and their sex hasn't yet been determined.For now
they're known by their numbers,42,43 and 44.In all,OdySea Aquarium now has 40
African penguins and has recorded 13 successful hatching.
1.How did OdySea Aquarium announce the birth of the chicks?
A.By advertising its breeding program
B.By uploading a video of them online.
C.By holding a contest to name them
D.By off