Eight African penguins hatched at the Maryland Zoo during the recent breeding season, adding to the population of the critically endangered animal, officials said Monday.

The zookeepers have chosen to name the birds after fruits and vegetables. The first two names – Kiwi and Cayenne – were announced Monday. More names will be announced in the coming weeks, according to zoo officials.

Cayenne, the African Penguin, was one of eight hatched at the Maryland Zoo. The Maryland Zoo

Maryland Zoo Bird Curator Jen Kottyan said the number of wild African penguins is declining dramatically, despite their classification as a protected species.

Data shows African penguins could become extinct within the next ten years.

"If we can fix the issues these birds face in the wild, such as overfishing a

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