Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is now home to Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins, the newest and most anticipated exhibit at the aquarium.
In Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins, guests come face-to-face with Little Blue Penguins as they waddle, swim and glide about their new home. The 2,900-square-foot habitat features an 18,000-gallon pool, multiple cozy burrows, a sandy beach and native plants that mimic the coast of Australia and New Zealand, where these penguins can be found in the wild. As guests step into the exhibit, they’re immersed in the world of Little Blues; learning from interpretative signs how they can help protect penguins and our ocean.
In addition, the habitat further explores the interdisciplinary penguin research of Scripps Oceanography scientists Jerry Kooyman, Paul Ponganis and Tammy Russell. Their discoveries on penguin physiology have provided Scripps with a better understanding of the biology of these aquatic seabirds, and the impact of climate change on penguins.
For those who are unable to visit the aquarium in person, they can still see Little Blue Penguins live through a new live penguin webcam launched today. Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins is included in the cost of general admission to Birch Aquarium which is $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17. Annual memberships are also available. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information or to make a reservation.
