#Japan #Tokyo #Sunshine Aquarium #Cape Penguin #Penguin Walk

A Unique 'Penguin Stroll' Experience at Sunshine Aquarium

This fall, from October 2nd to 31st, the Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, invites visitors to experience an exciting event called the "Autumn Penguin Stroll". During this limited-time event, Cape penguins will roam freely in the outdoor Marine Garden, giving guests an up-close look at their adorable waddling as they stroll along the rooftops of this bustling city.

The event allows attendees to observe the penguins navigating the outdoor space, and due to their free-spirited nature, the paths they take will be determined by their mood on any given day. This unpredictability adds an additional element of excitement for guests, who may be lucky enough to witness their unique behaviors. As part of the experience, aquarium staff will also provide informative talks about the penguins' ecology, further enriching the visitor experience.

In addition to the penguin stroll, the aquarium will adjust the schedule for its popular "Living Creatures Discovery" activities, which it describes as "an aquarium where something is happening all the time." Starting October 2nd, selected feeding and training sessions, which showcase the daily interactions between the animals and their keepers, will be held at specific times. This ensures that visitors not only see the captivating creatures but also gain insight into the care and training that goes into their daily routines.

Key Details of the Event

• - Event Duration: October 2nd (Thursday) to October 31st (Friday) on weekdays only.
• - Time: Scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, lasting approximately 20 minutes.
• - Location: Marine Garden, Sunshine Aquarium rooftop.
• - Admission Fee: Standard aquarium entry fees apply.

What to Expect

During the stroll, guests can witness the penguins exploring various parts of the Marine Garden, revealing their preferences for certain areas and differing distances traveled. Research indicates that in their natural habitats, Cape penguins may walk several kilometers from their nests to catch fish. Therefore, this event offers a rare opportunity to observe these delightful creatures walking over longer distances, insights that typically aren't visible during regular exhibits.

Notably, the specific penguins participating in the stroll will change daily, allowing guests the chance to see variations in walking speed and distance among individuals. The aquarium plans to measure the distance each penguin covers and track changes in their feeding habits, contributing to a deeper understanding of their health and behaviors.

Insights from the Staff

Ryota Yokura, one of the penguin care staff, shared, "Our goal is to bring guests closer to the penguins. By allowing them to observe and listen to our explanations, we hope to create a deeper emotional connection. While the penguins walk, we have trained them to follow staff, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to view them without barriers. We encourage everyone to appreciate the diversity in their movement and personalities."

As the weather cools and the penguins become more active, the aquarium aims to use this opportunity for health assessments while providing entertainment and education for attending guests. The enthralling sight of penguins exploring a spacious environment will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Scheduled 'Living Creatures Discovery'

From October 2nd onward, specific timings will be assigned for various activities related to the Living Creatures Discovery, including scheduled feeding and training sessions featuring other species at the aquarium. As with the penguin stroll, these activities may be subject to changes based on the animals' conditions or weather.

In conclusion, the Sunshine Aquarium continues to offer a plethora of engaging exhibits and events, ensuring that visitors leave with newfound inspiration and joy. Come and witness the wonder of marine life this October!

Additional Information

• - Location: Sunshine Aquarium, 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo, Sunshine City World Import Mart Building Rooftop.
• - Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing).
• - Ticket Prices: Adults (High school and older) ¥2,600, Children (Elementary and Middle school) ¥1,300, Toddlers (4 years and older) ¥800. These prices may vary.
• - Contact: Sunshine Aquarium (03-3989-3466).
• - Please check the aquarium's website for information on timed entry tickets for weekends and holidays.