(Long Island, NY) Long Island Aquarium is pleased to announce two animal exchanges within the Penguin Pavilion and Otter Falls exhibits.
The Long Island Aquarium recently relocated two of their female African Black-footed Penguins, Elaine and Jerry, to the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia. In exchange, the Aquarium acquired two males, Simon (born in August 2014) and Jim (born in October 2015). The move was beneficial to both facilities with regards to their breeding programs. The African penguin population has declined more than 60% in the wild due to human intervention including commercial overfishing of their main food source, oil spills and the collection of guano (which penguins use in their nests) as fertilizer. To help with their populations, many zoos and aquariums participate in a breeding program in an effort to gain public support for conservation of the species.
Simon and Jim, two African Black-footed Penguins. Photo Credit: Long Island Aquarium.
African penguins mate for life and the Aquarium had an uneven ratio of females to males, which meant a few of the females did not have a male to bond with. These girls will now have the opportunity to find a mate at their new facility. The new male penguins will also have the chance to find a partner when they get a little older and have the opportunity to connect with the rest of the Aquarium’s colony. Simon, the older penguin is currently out on display. Jim remains behind the scenes while waiting to lose the rest of his baby feathers. He cannot swim until those feathers are replaced with his new waterproof set. The Metro Richmond Zoo is thrilled to have the two females as they bring fresh bloodlines to their breeding program. This move provides great genetic diversity to both facilities.
The Otter Falls exhibit has also welcomed a new North American River Otter. Slydell, an eight year old male, was sent here via the EcoTarium in Worcester, Massachusetts. Originally from Slydell, Louisiana, he was hand-raised by the EcoTarium staff, who even taught him how to swim! The Long Island Aquarium’s male otter, Stark, has been sent to Worcester as part of this Ambassador program. Each otter will explore each other’s exhibits while polishing up on their social skills. Slydell will be on display with the Aquarium’s resident female otter, Jelly. Introduced slowly, they are currently separated with one in the holding area, while the other is on exhibit. They can see, smell, hear and touch each other through a fence in the holding area so they can get used to one another prior to going out on display together.
Slydell, a North American River Otter. Photo Credit: Long Island Aquarium.
This ambassador program gives these young males the opportunity to explore new surroundings and will allow Slydell the chance to live with another river otter. It also provides each organization the opportunity to work together in the care of both animals. Each facility welcomed staff from the other organization to share training and husbandry practices. Updates and reports will also be exchanged so all can ensure each animal is making progress in his daily training. Slydell is proving to be an adorable addition to the Aquarium’s animals. He can be seen swimming and playing with his toys on a daily basis. In keeping with his feed schedule as implemented by the EcoTarium, he will not be on display during the Aquarium’s scheduled feeds and lectures. Jelly will be the otterto watch at the 1:30 and 3:30 feed and training sessions.
About Long Island Aquarium
This privately-owned aquarium features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Butterflies, Bugs& Birds, Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, Shark Keeper, and more! Located in Riverhead, on the east end of Long Island, guests are encouraged to learn about what lives within the local waters, with exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna, as well as exotic, tropical displays.
Named a Top 10 Aquarium for Children by Parents Magazine, Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm year-round (Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving Days). You can add to the fun with an overnight stay at the waterfront Hyatt Place Long Island/East End located adjacent to the Aquarium property. For more information, please visit www.LongIslandAquarium.com.
