There is a degree of uncertainty as to how long the 6 Jackass penguins will be in Vancouver, as they are on loan from New England Aquarium. The latest report has them staying anywhere from 2-4 years, and then this exhibit space might be converted to something else. (Incidentally, that is my wife with the long hair and beige backpack, with our two kids directly in front of her against the glass. My family was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the penguins as the birds were slow coming on exhibit on this occasion.)
There is a degree of uncertainty as to how long the 6 Jackass penguins will be in Vancouver, as they are on loan from New England Aquarium. The latest report has them staying anywhere from 2-4 years, and then this exhibit space might be converted to something else. (Incidentally, that is my wife with the long hair and beige backpack, with our two kids directly in front of her against the glass. My family was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the penguins as the birds were slow coming on exhibit on this occasion.)
Out of curiosity, do you know why they only wanted to build a temporary penguin exhibit?
It seems like an exhibit that would be perennially popular. Were they not able to find a permanent group of penguins? This also seems odd, given how well penguins breed in zoos.
Out of curiosity, do you know why they only wanted to build a temporary penguin exhibit?
It seems like an exhibit that would be perennially popular. Were they not able to find a permanent group of penguins? This also seems odd, given how well penguins breed in zoos.
Given the number of zoos and aquariums that have brought in penguins on a temporary basis for peak season marketing purposes, this approach doesn't surprise me. If I'm not mistaken, this exhibit is just a renovation of an enclosure that previously housed sea otters. I believe almost all of the Aquarium's outdoor exhibit spaces, including this one, are slated for major renovations in the next few years, which may mean the penguins will be returned to other SSP facilities at that time. In the meantime, Vancouver Aquarium has something new and flashy to promote for the summer season.
The section given over to the penguins is in an area that has not been available to the public for at least a decade, and maybe much longer. I was under the impression that everything in the photo was brand-new, but it also makes sense that it was possibly an animal exhibit at one time before being cast behind-the-scenes.
The aquarium has embarked on an overhaul that could cost up to $100 million, and almost all of that money will be spent on the outdoor areas. A huge new entrance, a visitor plaza, and new or expanded pools for beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and seals is part of the seemingly ever-changing plan. Beavers and various sea birds will also be added, and the entire outdoor section will look radically different in the next few years. Other than cost I'm not sure why the aquarium does not include penguins as a permanent exhibit as they are enormously popular, but time will tell how long the current 6 remain in Vancouver.
