The Penguin Debut

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Photos by Diana Lejins

Magellanic Penguins made their grand debut today in their new habitat at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The new habitat will feature educational exhibit panels, and interactive touch screens where visitors can learn more about penguins and issues affecting their survival.

Despite having existed on Earth for more than 50 million years, more than than 75 percent of  Penguins are endangered or threatened.

Some of the birds in the Aquarium’s new habitat were rescued near Rio, Brazil and deemed non-releasable to the wild because of health concerns. Scientists speculate that these birds ended up north of their normal range in search of food due to climate change and overfishing. Two short films about penguins, a children’s program, a penguin guest speaker series, and the Penguin Animal Encounter are part of the new happenings.

General Admission: $24.95 adult (12+), $21.95 senior (62+), $13.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members. (Additional cost for penguin guest speaker evenings and Penguin Animal Encounter).
Details: (562) 590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org
Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific
Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach