HERE'S the first pictures of the penguins who will become one of the biggest attractions in Hull when they arrive next year.
The trio of cute penguin chicks will be swapping Texas for Hull when they arrive later next year at a purpose-built enclosure at the Deep.
The chicks are Gentoo penguins and are around six weeks old. An arrangement between the Moody Gardens zoo in Galveston, Texas and The Deep will see the penguin chicks moved to Hull when they are old enough and strong enough to take to their new home.
Experts say because they were born at Moody Gardens instead of the wild, they will be comfortable with their new surroundings at the Deep which is renowned for its welfare and veterinary care. In the wild, the Gentoo species are commonly found in the Falkland Islands.
Colin Brown, chief executive for The Deep said: "This is a fantastic early Christmas present for us, which has really put us in the festive spirit.
"We are delighted to see them looking so well, and I'm sure you will all agree, that they are mighty cute and will be a fantastic addition to The Deep.
"They won't be coming over to the UK until they are much bigger, but work on their enclosure is already underway here and we are excited to meet them later in 2013."
