Keen said the father Frank wass the “colony’s most experienced breeding male”.
“French has reached breeding age for the first time and Frank has an outstanding track record as a parent, having previously fathered Spike,” he said.
“Frank is actually about eight years older than king penguins would typically live in the wild, so while the odds of fertility are lower, they are certainly not impossible.”
He said although there was “cautious optimism about the chances of success” it was an “exciting milestone for the colony”.
“Regardless of what happens, seeing this pair produce an egg after six years is wonderful news and an encouraging sign for the future of the colony.”