Feeding Penguins in the Desert

 

This last week we were able to do something really fun--we were able to feed the penguin waddle at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, UT. It is something the two Muggles have wanted to do since they were told that it was available! 

The day finally arrived. We had them get out of school early for an in-person educational day! We first met with an Educator who spent time telling us all about penguins--how the behave, where they live, what they eat, etc. It was really interesting to learn all of those details. 

We then donned some heavy coats so we could go into the penguin exhibit and not be too cold! 

They had us sit down in a room just behind the exhibit and once we were on benches they gave us some more information about feeding the penguins. They also talked more about the penguin waddle at the aquarium and how they have hatched penguins. 

There were lots of rules--these are wild animals so we cannot touch them, they poop every 10 minutes,...they bite etc. They gave us a bowl of fish each and then opened the doors! 

It was so much fun to see the penguins come into the room. They were so excited to get some food. 

I let Koala Bear share my bowl of fish after she had already given all of hers away. I was ok with that because I was already taking photos anyway. I looked down and this penguin---Runner--decided that he wanted to see if I had fish and came and stood right between my knees. With all the warning about the penguins biting I was not sure I was so comfortable with him being that...ahem...close! HAHA

Once they were sure none of us had any more food, they decided it was time to go back to the water. As soon as they left Koala Bear exclaimed that she wanted to do it again! 

It was so much fun to learn more about penguins and what they do to survive. To be that close to them and see them thriving was something we will always remember. After we went around and watched them swim and be playful with each other--we could call them out by name (their name tags are bracelets on their wings) and talked about which ones we like best!