"They went through a stressful time when we lost Toga. It was about three weeks before they were really clear about it. (Kyala) was absolutely stressed for the first two weeks, wandering up and down," he explained.
"Then they started to beak tap, and then they started carrying nesting material, which we were quite happy about. (Kyala) laid the egg on Thursday last week and within 40 days we should have another Toga in our life.
"That's what we're really excited about."
Despite several sightings and a 25,000 pound ($44,656) reward, Toga — who stood just 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall — has still not been recovered.
Curtis admitted that they have given up hope of him ever being returned alive, noting a police theory that the penguin chick may have been stolen to order as a Christmas present.
"It was a baby bird covered in down. It had never seen a fish, it had been fed on regurgitated food by its parents, so it didn't really have a chance," he added.
Name: Jackass Penguin, aka African or Black-Footed Penguin (
Spheniscus demersus)
Primary Classification: Sphenisciformes (Penguins)
Location: Southern Africa
Habitat: Tropical ocean and rocky shores
Diet: Mainly fish. Also crustaceans, squid and polychaete worms
Size: Around 2 ft in height and 7.5 lbs in weight
Description: White belly with black spots; black back and chest stripe; large head with short, thick neck; long, hooked beak; streamlined body; flipper-like wings; wedge-shaped tail; webbed feet
Cool Facts: It makes a loud, braying noise that sounds like a donkey or jackass, thus the name. It used to nest by burrowing into guano — hardened bird droppings — until the material, rich in nutrients, was harvested for fertilizer in the 19th century.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat(s): Habitat loss, poaching and pollution.
What Can I Do?: Visit the
International Penguin Conservation Work Group for information on how you can help.
