Penguin Encounter at Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, U.S.A.

Meeting Opus at Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Dec. 26, 2011
Meeting Opus at Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Dec. 26, 2011

There were two rules Dan Arcara, Director of Exhibits at Aquarium of Niagara, said we must obey during our Penguin Encounter. First was avoiding putting our faces near the penguin’s beak and the second was standing clear of her backside.

While visiting Buffalo over the Christmas holiday, my family and Annette, best friend from junior and senior high schools, ventured over to Aquarium of Niagara to see what’s changed since I last visited, which was probably about 30 years ago. I’d just seen my friends new Clear Water Aquariums set-up and was itching to go back. My friend didn’t have penguins though, so this was a definite highlight of my trip.

Turns out, much has changed! Exhibits seemed brighter and more natural. An octopus opening a jar holding Mr. Potato Head and its lunch kept us fascinated for most of our visit. We also admired the collection of vibrant poison dart frogs and diversity of fresh and saltwater sea life in this compact aquarium.

Penguins Chilling at Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Penguins Chilling at Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Back to the Penguin Encounter…
For the Penguin Encounter, we entered a (not so) secret door where we could see behind some of the exhibit tanks. We watched Dan walk into penguin exhibit and return with Opus under his arm, carrying her almost like a much-guarded football. Opus, a Humboldt Penguin typically native to warm climates of Chile and Peru, was born at the aquarium March 16, 1988, making her a couple months shy of her 24th birthday.

As he set her down, he warned me again about staying clear of her backside and within seconds, she shot out a white streak of liquid poop. Whoa!

“See what I mean?” Dan said.

Hello, Opus! Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011
Hello, Opus! Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011

The encounter with Opus lasted at least 15 minutes, maybe 20, and Annette and I took turns petting the little sweetie pie. With the popularity of such movies as Happy Feet, March of the Penguins, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Aquarium of Niagara’s Penguin Encounter allows kids (at least 8 years old) to get up close and personal with the flightless birds.

Although tempting to grab and hug a penguin, it’s frowned upon. OK, it’s just something you CAN’T do.

Petting and observing are acceptable and we sure did that. I suppose I was expecting the penguin to feel rough but she was quite soft to the touch because of her fine feathers. Because of her age and arthritis setting in, Opus waddled a little bit before resting on her belly to garner “oohs” and “ahhhs” from her new fans. Opus wasn’t affectionate and cuddly but she was comfortable in front of the camera and didn’t seem to mind being touched.

Opus Preens Her Feathers, Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011
Opus Preens Her Feathers, Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011

Penguin Encounter at Aquarium of Niagara
The cost to participate in the Penguin Encounter is $75 per participant which includes getting up close and personal with a Humboldt Penguin, the encounter includes a photograph with the penguin and a photo CD available for $20. Remember, this is for visitors 8 years old and older. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling (716) 285-3575 ext. 211.

Happy Feet of a Penguin! Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011
Happy Feet of a Penguin! Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011

Other Animal Encounters at Aquarium of Niagara
During the “warmer” season in Western New York, get a big ol’ wet kiss either from a California sea lion or harbor seal during the Sea Lion or Harbor Seal Encounter. For $75 per participant, work with a trainer in an interactive play session with one of the marine mammals while learning more about the species. The session is about 15 minutes long, a photo CD is available for $20 and open to those ages 8 years old and older. Call (716) 285-3575 ext. 214, for reservations.

Ever feed sushi to a seal? Well you can with the aquarium’s Wanna Feed a Seal? program. At 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, anyone can feed the Pacific and Atlantic Harbor Seals from the public area of the outdoor pool a cup of fish for $5. (No, it’s not REAL sushi.)

Like anything, the aquarium reserves the right to cancel or change programs content and price without notice so it’s a great idea to visit their website and call prior to your visit. Tel: (716) 285-3575 ext. 214, www.aquariumofniagara.org.

Anemone Exhibit at Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011
Anemone Exhibit at Aquarium of Niagara, Dec. 26, 2011

Perfect for the aspiring marine biologist, a memorable gift or just for bragging rights, Aquarium of Niagara offers various marine animal interactive programs in addition to affordable educational fun.

Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
www.aquariumofniagara.org
Facebook.com/aquariumofniagara

Admission is $10 adults, $6 for kids 3 to 12 years old, $8 for seniors 60 and older and children 2 and younger are free. Parking is free.

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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