On my recent trip to Melbourne I did all of the things you’re meant to do, hitting up the food, bar, shopping and art scenes. But I was also determined to do something a little different. So when the opportunity came up to have a sub-Antarctic adventure without leaving the CBD I said, “Sign me up!”
Mr LML and I were lucky enough to not only visit Melbourne Aquarium, located on the Yarra waterfront opposite the Crown Casino, but also take part in their exclusive Penguin Passport experience.
What is the Penguin Passport you ask?
It’s a behind-the-scenes tour that provides a glimpse of how the state-of-the-art penguin exhibit works. Running only once a day for up to three participants, you feel pretty special getting the VIP treatment.
We arrive early and take the opportunity to look around the aquarium (it’s included in the cost of the experience).
There are a lot of ‘oohs and ahs’ as you walk through the aquarium, and there are a lot of people! From sharks to sting-rays and sea urchins to turtles, there’s a lot to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
I’m most interested in seeing the penguins though. It’s a lot of fun watching them knowing we’ll soon be joining them on the ice!
Mr LML introduces himself.
Behind the scenes
Come 2pm, Mr LML and I are ushered behind closed doors where our guide gives us the lowdown on what to expect.
First things first, it’s time to get our Antarctic snow gear on!
| Hot tip: It gets mighty cold on the ice, even with the suit so make sure you dress in warm clothing as a foundation. No skirts or dresses ladies! |
It’s clear immediately the absolute precision and level of detail involved with making this exhibit work seamlessly. The commitment and enthusiasm of all the staff we meet is obvious – it’s not just a job, it’s a passion.
Their dedication is incredible. It really makes us think a lot more about the well-being of the animals and the effort that goes into maintaining not only the penguins but all the exhibits here. Next time I visit an aquarium or a zoo, I’ll certainly bring with me a new level of respect for the team behind-the scenes.
As we’re show around and get insights in to their food preparation and medical care, we also get just a taste of the formalities: there’s thorough hand-washing, water baths we walk through in our boots and of course, no jewellery (bling + penguins are not a good mix).
The VIP tour is super interesting but what we really want is to get on the ice and have our own ‘real life’ Happy Feet experience!
Hitting the ice
As we step through our final foot bath and up the stairs, we join the majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins in their well-simulated natural Antarctic habitat.
It’s pretty amazing to be so close to them as they’re slipping, sliding and waddling.
It’s also a little surreal to be on the other side of the glass with people (just like us a couple of hours ago) peering in. So this is what it feels like to be on show. Before long though you forget you’re in an enclosure, but a guest of the penguins in Antarctica.
Observing the penguins from our vantage point on the ice as they interact with each other, it becomes clear each has their own personality – some are cheeky, some are polite and some are reserved. But they’re all soooo cute!
The team at Melbourne Aquarium have thoughtfully coincided our ice-time with feeding-time so we can see this important part of their day in action. The penguin’s reaction to the food up for grabs was priceless and just like humans, they have food they love that is like their chocolate (the fatty and tasty trout) versus the boring ones that were like their ‘vegies’ (leaner, white fish).
In order to be fed, they need to wait their turn. The way they know the trainer’s voice and hand signals is impressive. Once they’re fed, all it takes is a hand signal and gentle touch of the penguin’s chest and they hop off – well, most of them!
Before you know it, your Antarctic visit is over and as you step back through the doorway, you do feel pretty lucky to have been part of such a unique experience.
Starting from $290 per person, it is more expensive than your average trip to the aquarium but also a lot cheaper than a trip to Antarctica!
Fun facts
• Even though they look pretty much identical to us, their carers know them all by sight which is pretty amazing. Crumpet, Gus and Macquarie were some of our faves.
• Penguins are super smart! The team mix up the activities they do with them each day (there’s a calendar on a whiteboard) to ensure they don’t get bored with routine.
• They get fed their multivitamin in their fish – monitored closely for any changes to their health.
• The team at Melbourne Aquarium closely map out their genetic lineage with a colour coded wall display, kind of like Ancestry.com but for penguins.
• You wouldn’t know it when you’re viewing them behind glass but penguins are rather loud. Especially around feeding time. But then, again, who isn’t keen for a good feed in Melbourne?
Nicole and Mr LML were guests of Melbourne Aquarium
Where is your favourite aquarium in the world? Would you like to get up close with the penguins?