Fans of the seafront attraction, Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium, are in for a treat this summer with the long-awaited arrival of some very special feathered friends.
Ten playful Humboldt penguins, have resided in their brand new custom-built exhibit ‘Penguin Beach Encounter’, which has been specifically designed to replicate the birds’ natural habitat with a deep pool, beach and rockery. Visitors will also be able to mingle amongst the penguins in a special interactive walkway.
Humboldt penguins are listed on the IUCN Red List species status as Vulnerable and currently protected due to a decline in population. This particular colony of Humboldt penguins were captive bred in zoos and aquariums across Europe as part of an ongoing breeding programme.
The Oceanarium built its penguin beach with the breeding programme in mind and includes 12 breeding boxes with the space to house up to 24 penguins. Oliver Buttling, Oceanarium Curator, said: “As Humboldts are one of the world’s most threatened species of penguin, zoos and aquariums aim to help sustain their populations as part of an international captive breeding programme.”
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