On August 21st 2004 I took part in the Penguin Contact program at Mystic Aquarium. During the program I got to meet and greet a male African Penguin named Red Green. It lasted about an hour, and was hosted by Janet, one of the people who care for the fabulous penguins at Mystic. Red Green walked around the group, and did a lot of preening, and at one point kept trying to bite the zipper on a little boy's cargo shorts. Although he was freaked out, it was very funny.
Janet made sure everyone got to learn a little bit about the birds, including how many species of penguins there are (17 or 18 depending if you count the Fairy ones - I do), how much they weigh, their nesting and breeding in the aquarium. (They are hoping to have three babies next year as they have been given permission to breed two of their penguins).
We also listened to his heartbeat, which was very fast. Although they look wet and shiny, they feel incredibly soft and silky. He was a beautiful penguin.
Sadly, Janet said although they are tres cute they would not make good pets due to their being a tad territorial and dropping chocolate milkshake on the floor without warning. At least I can visit them at Mystic, and can't wait until we go again.
Also at Mystic Aquarium are Beluga Whales, the happiest looking whales, they look like they are always smiling and seem to love the attention of the crowds. Sea lions and Harbor Seals are on display outside, they also do a show for kids with them. Inside are sharks, rays, alligators and various fish displays. The Frogs are fun, and a bit of a challenge to see as their camouflages are excellent, and you really have to look hard to distinguish them from their habitats.
"King and Heir" A penguin sculpture greets visitors to the exhibit.
Red Green a male African penguin is introduced to a small group of people.
The penguins are identified by a band on their flipper, the blue bead indicates the sex of the bird.
Red Green surveys the room. The markings on the front of the penguin are as individual as a fingerprint.
Red Green walks among the group in the penguin contact program. He's about 10 inches tall.
Red Green weighs about six pounds. When moulting, they shed their feathers, and double their weight to stay warm.
I'm listening to his heartbeat here. At around 200 beats a minute, it's more than double the average speed of a human heartbeat.
He looks so sleepy here. I think he was really relaxed after meeting everyone.
It was surprising how soft his feathers felt. His flippers were very sturdy, not soft at all. Penguins are cool!
An African Penguin couple, Bob and Mavis.
Penguins swimming. Much more graceful in the water, they can swim up to 25 mph.
Beluga Whale swims by. Their top speed is 16mph.
Feeding time for the whales. Beluga is Russian for "White One".
Harbor Seal
swims.
White Harbor Seal lounging.
Seal exhibit.
Monsters of the Deep Exhibit.
Peter the baby alligator meets people.
Return to Titanic Exhibit.
Frogs with excellent camouflage.
Colorful corals.
More Mystic animals from a previous trip to the aquarium in the animal photos page.
On August 21st 2004 I took part in the Penguin Contact program at Mystic Aquarium. During the program I got to meet and greet a male African Penguin named Red Green. It lasted about an hour, and was hosted by Janet, one of the people who care for the fabulous penguins at Mystic. Red Green walked around the group, and did a lot of preening, and at one point kept trying to bite the zipper on a little boy's cargo shorts. Although he was freaked out, it was very funny.
Janet made sure everyone got to learn a little bit about the birds, including how many species of penguins there are (17 or 18 depending if you count the Fairy ones - I do), how much they weigh, their nesting and breeding in the aquarium. (They are hoping to have three babies next year as they have been given permission to breed two of their penguins).
We also listened to his heartbeat, which was very fast. Although they look wet and shiny, they feel incredibly soft and silky. He was a beautiful penguin.
Sadly, Janet said although they are tres cute they would not make good pets due to their being a tad territorial and dropping chocolate milkshake on the floor without warning. At least I can visit them at Mystic, and can't wait until we go again.
Also at Mystic Aquarium are Beluga Whales, the happiest looking whales, they look like they are always smiling and seem to love the attention of the crowds. Sea lions and Harbor Seals are on display outside, they also do a show for kids with them. Inside are sharks, rays, alligators and various fish displays. The Frogs are fun, and a bit of a challenge to see as their camouflages are excellent, and you really have to look hard to distinguish them from their habitats.
