Head Animal Curator Kevin Rhodes feeds several penguins at the Science Spectrum, a science and children's museum in Lubbock, Texas. Four penguins are on loan from the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for the Spectrum's new educational exhibit, "Penguin Plunge."
SCIENCE SPECTRUM / Special to the Daily News
Published: Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park’s African black-footed penguins Missy, South, Sal and Sly are featured in the special exhibit “Penguin Plunge” at the Science Spectrum.
The flightless birds took a plane ride — in crates — with a Gulfarium keeper to Texas. They had about a week to settle in at their new exhibit before it opened last weekend, said James Nesmith, the Science Spectrum’s administrative manager.
About 1,600 people came to the opening, Nesmith said. It’s the first time penguins have been exhibited in Lubbock. “It’s a unique opportunity for folks in this region,” he said.
The penguins will return to the Gulfarium when the exhibit closes in June.
The exhibit is a way to educate the public, Nesmith said. Besides the live penguins, the museum has interactive areas, a photographic exhibit and a movie about penguins.
Kevin Rhodes, the museum’s lead curator, visited the Gulfarium for a week to get acquainted with the birds. The keeper who escorted the penguins to Lubbock also trained other keepers at museum for a few days.
The birds have taken off in their new home, Rhodes said. “There as happy as little larks,” he said.
Nine penguins remain at the Gulfarium. Regular programs involving the penguins, such as the Animal Adventure, still are taking place, said Chad Stouffer, the Gulfarium’s director of animal management.
The museum approached the Gulfarium about the loan, said Patrick Berry, the Gulfarium's general manager. It was a great opportunity to promote the species that fell into place. “We’ll enjoy it when the four come back, but we’re happy they have the opportunity to go on a little excursion,” Berry said.
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