The Vancouver Aquarium has become home to a group of new residents – penguins from sunny South Africa.
Starting tomorrow, visitors can come and watch the animals swim, catch a breeze or give them a stare at the "Penguin Point".
"Penguins are a much-awaited addition to the Vancouver Aquarium family and we are very excited to launch the new ‘Penguin Point' exhibit," said Clint Wright, the aquarium's senior vice-president.
The new home was inspired by Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, the natural environment of this species, and is designed in a way that lets visitors learn more about the African penguins and their differences from the other 17 species of penguins.
African penguins are an endangered species. Their population has declined by 90 per cent since the early 1900s due to overfishing and climate change, according to the aquarium.
Healthy fish stock are essential for the survival of these funny-looking birds, as Wright explained. The Vancouver Aquarium, therefore, encourages people to eat sustainable seafood to protect the penguins.
The public is invited to help name the new residents after B.C. cities, towns or neighbourhoods until June 17. More information on the contest can be found here.
