Mystic Penguin Events

Penguins paint, race and entertain at Mystic
Birds paint, race and entertain at Mystic
By Amanda Cuda
Staff Writer
Updated: 09/22/2009 06:43:15 PM EDT

At first glance, penguins don't seem to have many skills.

Sure, they can fish, and they look adorable. But would you ever imagine that they can paint and compete in races?

Well, they can. Or at least they will, from 11 a.m. to

3 p.m. Friday at the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. The aquarium will host an African Penguin Day, celebrating the birds with a series of penguin-centered activities, including a race and some penguin-crafted artwork.

Becky Giantonio, assistant director of public relations at Mystic, said the event is an attempt to raise awareness about the troubles facing the world's African penguin population, which has declined 42 percent over the last eight years.

"The numbers are declining really rapidly," Giantonio said. "It's definitely been alarming."

She said this problem is particularly upsetting to the staff at Mystic, which is home to more than 20 African penguins.

"They're very close to us," Giantonio said.

During African Penguin Day, Mystic employees will teach visitors about the declining penguin population, and remind them about the beauty and uniqueness of these creatures.

It all starts at 11 a.m. on the main exhibit floor, where a penguin trainer and some feathered friends will be on hand to teach guests about the conservation of the species.

At noon, the aquarium will host a race between six penguins, who, with the help of their trainers, will waddle toward a finish line. Visitors can enter to win a penguin encounter by donating $1 to vote for the penguin they think will win. Proceeds from the donations will go toward penguin conservation efforts around the world.

The race also is intended to encourage people to participate in the aquarium's 3rd Annual Penguin Run/Walk on Oct. 17.

At 1:15 p.m., there will be a special penguin feeding and presentation at the Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Exhibit, followed by a penguin painting demonstration at 2:30 p.m., in the Penguin Discovery Zone. There, guests can watch the birds create unique artwork with their feet. The paintings will be awarded to top fundraisers and finishers in the October Penguin Run/Walk.

Giantonio said the penguin day will be both educational and entertaining. "It's something to really raise awareness of the plight of penguins," she said. "And it's going to be really fun."

Source:
http://www.connpost.com/ci_13395835