Penguins at Manila Ocean Park make a big splash

The Manila Ocean Park’s latest animal attraction makes everyone smile from ear to ear, especially the children visiting the recreation facility. The Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) – a South American species from the coastlines of Chile and Peru, close to Antartica – had even delighted United States of America ambassador to the Philippines Harry Tomas, who was interviewed by GMA News reporter JP Soriano. “I got to feed the penguins fish, and that was great," said Tomas, adding that it was his first time to see the Antarctic birds up close – and in tropical Philippines! This species is named after the cold water current the penguins swim in, which is named after the German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt. They are medium-sized penguins, growing to 56–70 cm (22–28 in) in length and weighing of 3.6-5.9 kg (8-13 lbs). “Instead of flying through the air, sa tubig na sila lumilipad," the park’s Program Development Specialist Jappy Lim. “They also eat squid or pusit and krill or alamang." The Humboldt Penguin is a threatened species, due to a declining population caused in part by over-fishing, climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat destruction. This makes the plight of the penguins at the amusement park more relevant. “Most importantly, you’ll learn more about Antarctica and its role in global warming and climate change, it being an indicator of changes to our environment," explained Manila Ocean Park vice president for Sales and Marketing Armi Cortes. Aside from the penguins, the Manila Ocean Park has opened its “Trails to Antarctica" snow village where visitors can get to experience the freezing temperatures of the Land of the South Pole which can drop to below 15 degrees Celsius. — LBG, GMA News