Gentoo penguins moving in to The Deep in Hull

By Grimsby Telegraph  |  Posted: February 05, 2014

FEEDING TIME: A Gentoo penguin chick at Edinburge Zoo last spring. Now a colony is heading to Hull.

AFTER months of preparation, Hull’s new penguins are getting ready to move in. With a brand new, three-floor home, The Deep’s Gentoo penguins will be excited to have a Very Important Penguin’s view of the River Humber, from March 3, at 10am when the penguin exhibit will be open to the public, delighting adults and children from across the nation with their funny antics and amusing waddle.

Gentoo penguins breed on many sub-Antarctic islands, including South Georgia, the former whaling port which inspired the theme for the exhibition. Grytviken, on the island, was once one of the busiest whaling ports in the world following the demise of Hull’s whaling industry in the 1860s. The last site was abandoned in 1966 when the area was eventually taken over by the Gentoo penguins of Antarctica and other native wildlife.

The six adults and four juveniles will be treated to a swimming pool, diving pool, beach area and nesting area in their new home.

Katy Duke, Curator at The Deep said: “We are so excited to open this new exhibit. It will be kept at temperatures that match South Georgia’s seasons and has some exciting features which will help mimic their natural habitat, including a snow machine and water sprinklers.”

It is hoped that these penguins will help to explain to visitors about the threats to their habitat and issues surrounding climate change. The exhibit will help to raise funds to support the Project Penguin conservation group.

Tickets to The Deep start at £8.55 with offers available for online booking and family discounts. Under 3s go free. Visit www.thedeep.co.uk for further information.

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