Little Blue Penguins Land in La Jolla

Breaking news — my heart was stolen this week at a preview of the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit, which opened on July 13 at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

At 10 to 12 inches tall, Little Blue Penguins are the smallest species of penguin, weighing only 2-3 pounds. And they poop about 145 times a day! But they are famed for their unique blue color and gregariousness rather than their waste output. I was able to see them in their natural habitat on Stewart Island near Invercargill on the South Island of New Zealand. Instead of being found on ice or snow, these small flightless birds thrive in climates similar to San Diego’s. They are native to the coasts of New Zealand, as well as Australia (primarily on Phillips Island).

Birch Aquarium is the only aquarium in the Western U.S. where you can see the little blue penguins. The 2,900-square-foot exhibit includes  an 18,000-gallon pool and multiple burrows where guests can observe the very social penguins interacting and more. The habitat currently has 15 Little Blue Penguins, ranging in age from 3 to 9 years old. Five of the penguins will ultimately go to other organizations that are part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Reka, a little female who was swimming vigorously during my visit was born on July 8, 2015. So I wonder if she sees her new habitat as a great birthday present.

These wee penguins are truly entertaining to watch whether they are deciding whether or not to swim, swimming or merely socializing. Yellow (who is available for naming*) was also swimming, and he kept cawing to the others saying (in my mind): “Come on in, the water’s fine.”

Visitors on Monday also got to see a brief attempt at mating. It wasn’t clear if the young male lost his confidence or simply prefers a bit of privacy. I later figured out that the lover was Persimmon, whom is known to be quite popular with the Blue Penguin females. His billing card at the aquarium states that he’s a “proven nest builder and protector.” No wonder he’s popular.

And guess what? The Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins are free with general admission, which costs $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children, ages 3-17. Annual memberships are also available, and members get in free and also help sustain the Aquarium.

And of course, you will enjoy seeing the seahorses, sea dragons and jellies at the Birch too.

I hope visitors meet these Little Blue Penguins and care about them so much that they want to help their endangered cousins in the wild, because so many Little Blue Penguins in New Zealand have died this year due to climate change and less food to sustain the penguins.

Here’s a look at my visit to the Beyster Family Little Blue Pigeons.

*Contact the Development Team (858-246-0065) for info about making a naming donation.