Atlantis Marine World’s Penguin Encounter
July 21, 2010
By Christopher Boyle
(Long Island, N.Y.) The bald eagle might be the official national emblem of the United States, but if you took a popular vote these days, you might just find a penguin taking over its job. Ever since the release of the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins, America has had a soft spot for the adorable flightless water fowl, and now Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in Riverhead, NY gives you the chance to meet some penguins up close and personal.
I’ve always enjoyed Atlantis Marine World. It might not be as expansive as places like the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, but in this case its “quality over quantity.” Atlantis Marine World is a beautifully-designed complex with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The degree of interactivity is what really sets it apart from its competitors, however- what other aquarium offers a wading pool where various crabs scurry about your feet, a kiss from a sea lion, or a stingray tank where you can actually pet and feed the gentle creatures as they glide about? And now, Atlantis Marine World ups the ante with their newest hands-on experience: The Penguin Encounter, where you actually get to meet and greet Atlantis’ African penguin population, including their star attractions: three baby penguin chicks. Talk about “cute overload.”
My fellow reporter Kirsten and I met up in Atlantis Marine World’s busy lobby with Joseph Yaiullo, the Curator/Co-Founder of the aquarium (in the interest of full discolsure: free of charge). After some basic info regarding the proceedings and some friendly chit-chat, Joseph led us to our first stop: the outdoor adult penguin enclosure, dubbed the “Penguin Pavilion.” Specifically tailored to meet a penguin’s every need, the Penguin Pavilion features chilled water and a rock floor specially-designed for sensitive penguin feet.
Now, before you start worrying, these penguins weren’t miserable in the mid-day summer heat; African penguins are actually used to this climate, as it mirrors what they are used to back home. It just goes to show that not all penguins inhabit snowy ice drifts.
Yaiullo guided us into the enclosure, had us take a seat, and gave us an informative lecture and answered questions regarding the little tuxedo-clad penguins waddling about our feet. It turns out that this batch was brought into this country illegally, confiscated by the government, and turned over to the folks at Atlantis Marine World for care. Not having been raised by humans, the adult penguins in the Pavilion tend to regard anyone without a bucket of fish in their hand with a bit of apprehension, but it was still a absolute marvel to see these creatures in such close proximity as they went about their business.
Up next was the main attraction: the three penguin chicks! We were taken behind the scenes to a special holding pen where we were introduced to Kevin (three months old), Angela (also three) and Pam (the oldest at seven months). These little fellas were actually raised in-part by humans, and how their behavior contrasted with their grown-up brethren outside was astonishing. Completely, 100% at ease with people, they brazenly walked right up to us, at times even competing for our attention and affection. Kevin in particular was almost like a happy puppy in that sense; he would waddle right up and start begging for you to pet him, and would almost get upset when you stopped. I don’t think I’ve ever had an attack of “the cutes” like I when I was petting Kevin the penguin while he gently cooed and preened my shoe; I had to resist the desire to sneak him out of the aquarium with me and home to live in my bathtub.
I think the biggest surprise about the Penguin Encounter, at least for me, wasn’t the high degree of access and information we were given (which was plentiful)- it was the time allotted to us. Going in, I expected to be whisked in and out of the exhibits at a breakneck rate, but in reality, you’re given a great amount of time to actually savor the experience; you’re not rushed in any way.
There are plans to greatly expand the Penguin Pavilion in the Fall to provide more room not only for the adult penguins, but to incorporate space for the chicks as well, which should indeed be a treat for the public.
Atlantis Marine World’s Penguin Encounter is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and is something you’ll not soon forget. If you’re an animal lover, I can’t possibly recommend it highly enough!
You can get more info on the Penguin Encounter by clicking here: http://www.atlantismarineworld.com/adventures-penguin_encounter.html
You can follow Christopher Boyle on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cboyle1
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Entertainment
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