Australia: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to Launch Worldwide Unique Penguin Experience

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium plans to open the world’s first penguin experience in November this year, which will allow visitors to dip in the habitat of King and Gentoo Penguins. This new project is named “Penguin Island Expedition” and is inspired by Macquarie Island located in the Southern Ocean. During the sensory and educational journey on rafts, guests will be surrounded by penguins experiencing a flurry of snow, whistling winds and stunning southern lights at a cool six degrees Celsius environment. Then they will arrive at a re-creation of Macquire Island Explorer Hut from where they can observe the penguins on land and under water to learn more about the life on the remote island.

With an investment volume of nine million Australian Dollar (approx. 5.8 million Euro), “Penguin Island Expedition” represents SEA LIFE Sydney’s largest investment in creatures since opening 28 years ago. “’Penguin Island Expedition’ is an exciting, world-first innovation and a must-see for local and international visitors alike. Offering true immersion in a brilliant replica of our penguins’ natural home, the ride allows guests to make amazing discoveries about life on Macquarie Island. (…),” stated Rob Smith, Divisional Director at Merlin Entertainments ANZ. Gerhard Beukes, Curator at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, added: “These animals are ambassadors for their species and play a vital role in helping us to communicate our conservation values of ‘Breed, Rescue and Protect’ to the huge number of visitors that pass through our turnstiles each year. Wild penguin colonies throughout the world are under increasing threat due to pollution, global warming, dwindling fish stocks and habitat destruction, and it is our responsibility to educate the public on how they can help.” Following this central theme the King and Gentoo Penguins will move into SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in addition to the 13,000 animals from 700 different species. (eap)