Ground has broken on a US$3.3m (€3.1m, £2.6m) extension at the Aquarium of Niagara, being built to facilitate a penguin breeding programme.

The South American Humboldt penguin population has been declining in recent years and is now classed as “vulnerable” due to a combination of climate change, overfishing and other factors.

The expansion will include a 20-plus Humboldt penguin exhibit, gallery and interactive classroom with the main aim of increasing its penguin population and introducing breeding programme once it receives the go-ahead from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The Aquarium of Niagara, located at Niagara Falls, New York, has housed the penguin breed since the 1970s, and their new home will be upgraded to a 5,000sq ft (465sq m) Peruvian-themed beach landscape and 15,000 gallon (56,781 litre) pool. There are currently seven penguins but more will be added.

Work should be completed by next spring.