Four penguin chicks have been born at the Gold Coast theme park Sea World.

Nine more eggs are expected to hatch in coming days in a major boon for Sea World’s Gentoo Penguin breeding program.

Sea World penguin keeper Katrina Krygger says 14 eggs have been laid this year and while one chick didn’t make it there are high hopes there’ll be 13 more little penguins soon.

“Seeing these healthy penguin chicks being born is so wonderful,” Ms Krygger said.

“The gorgeous little chicks range from newly hatched to seven days old and are growing at a rapid pace.”

The gender of the chicks will not been known for several months until DNA tests are conducted.

The Gentoo chicks will grow to between five and seven kilograms and will reach maturity within three years.