Newport, Ky. – The Newport Aquarium is preparing a major expansion of its African penguin colony. As part of the project, the cold‑climate penguins currently housed in the popular “Penguin Palooza” exhibit will be relocated to new homes over the next several months.
Farewell celebration for families
Before the birds begin their moves, the aquarium is offering a three‑day farewell celebration from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22. Visitors can spend time with the penguins one last time, write favorite memories on a community memory wall, and explore an African penguin conservation station that explains the significance of the expansion.
“These penguins have been part of so many family visits over the years, and people are going to miss them,” said Rebecca Foster, vice president and executive director of Newport Aquarium. “That is exactly why we are giving the area a holiday season to come say goodbye. What comes next is a chance for our guests to help us protect one of the most endangered penguin species on the planet.”
Why the expansion matters
African penguins are classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 20,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Accredited zoos and aquariums now play a vital role in sustaining the species, and Newport Aquarium is embracing that responsibility by expanding its African penguin colony.
“Every decision in this transition has been driven by what is best for the individual birds and what is best for the species long term,” said Chris Plante, director of zoological operations at the aquarium. “Expanding our African penguin colony strengthens our ability to support this species for generations to come, and it reflects Newport Aquarium’s commitment to conserving wildlife and wild places, both close to home and worldwide.”
What visitors can expect
During the farewell weekend, guests will have the opportunity to watch the penguins swim, feed, and interact with keepers. The conservation station will feature interactive displays about the threats facing African penguins, such as habitat loss and over‑fishing, and will highlight how visitors can support conservation efforts.
Animal care and veterinary teams have spent months planning the relocations, ensuring each bird’s move is carefully coordinated to minimize stress. The new habitats will provide larger, climate‑controlled environments that more closely mimic the penguins’ natural coastal habitat.
Looking ahead
After the relocation period, the renovated exhibit will showcase a thriving African penguin colony, offering educational programs for schools and families. The aquarium hopes the expanded colony will serve as a living ambassador for conservation, inspiring the community to protect endangered wildlife.
Local families are encouraged to attend the farewell events and support the aquarium’s mission to preserve one of the world’s most vulnerable bird species.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
