SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast welcomes its first penguins

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (the former Underwater World) has welcomed six little blue penguins in preparation for the opening of an immersive new exhibit on 13th December 2019.

Jonah, Stefan, Hilda, Sapphire, Aqua and Buruu made the journey from Sea World on the Gold Coast to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast this week where they were greeted by an enthusiastic team of bird keepers. The penguins will remain in the aquarium’s quarantine area for the next week before entering the new Little Blue Penguins exhibit, which has been designed to closely resemble their natural habitat.

Over the next two months, nine more little penguins will be transported to the Sunshine Coast from Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra ahead of the opening of Little Blue Penguins in December.

Opening in time for the summer school holidays, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s new Little Blue Penguins zone will immerse guests in the wonderful world of the smallest penguin species. The aquarium’s new zone will take guests on a journey from an above ground observation deck to an underwater vantage point for an all-encompassing look into the life of a little penguin.

The colony of little penguins will be ambassadors for their species, playing a significant role in communicating SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s conservation values. Guests will be able to learn about the lifecycle of a little penguin, what they eat, and how and why we can help protect them in the wild.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast worked with Jetpets – Australia’s leading animal transport company – to ensure the safe arrival of the penguins. Jetpets’ company spokesperson, Jenna Matheson advised that they “were very excited to be trusted with the transportation of the six little penguins from Sea World to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.

“When arranging the penguins’ transportation, many factors had to be considered to ensure they were comfortable and safe throughout the journey. This included mapping out the logistics to ensure the penguins travelled the most direct route possible, arranging suitable travel crates for each penguin and ensuring the temperature in our animal travel vehicle was set so the penguins were comfortable in their environment. The transportation of the penguins was successfull and we hope they are settling into their new home nicely”

Little Blue Penguins will be a permanent exhibit that is included in the admission price. For further information, visit: www.sealifesunshinecoast.com.au