Long Island Aquarium reveals sex of two baby penguins
The penguins were both boys!
The Long Island Aquarium revealed Saturday that its two juvenile African penguins are male, with blue cake filling delivering the news to visitors gathered for the gender reveal celebration.
They hatched in November and December and have not yet been named.
The guests enjoyed refreshments, crafts and a talk from the aquarium’s animal care team before the big reveal. They were also joined by Angela and Kevin, a pair of 16-year-old penguins who greeted families from a small cart before attention turned to the aquarium’s newest youngsters.
Photos by Nick Mongiovi
Heading into summer, the aquarium debuted several new exhibits and experiences for animal-lovers of all types to enjoy, including chances to get up close and personal with even more creatures and critters.
The aquarium is showcasing three brand-new tenants. With a 6-foot wingspan, the Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the largest owls in the world. A vote was held recently, and he was named Jasper. Recovered from the closed Holtsville Ecology Center, an American marten now resides at the aquarium as well. The most recent addition is a giant Pacific octopus. A vote to name the cephalopod is going on now, with the winning moniker — Octavius, Oswald or Squish — to be announced Saturday, Aug. 8.
“We want people to come out and see what we have to offer,” Executive Director Bryan DeLuca said. “The aquarium is really looking to have our guests come and experience all the unique things we have here. We have a couple of really cool things that you can experience this year.”
For those wanting to get a little closer, visitors can take part in the new stingray encounter at Ray Bay, critter connection, or fish-feeding tour. Educational opportunities abound as well with daily lectures on seals, stingrays, river otters, penguins, sea lions and the fish that swim in the lagoon. A full schedule is available on the aquarium website under Plan a Visit.
