SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is introducing a new attraction that is sure to charm visitors – six different species of penguins. These adorable birds from Antarctica, the coldest of the eight realms, will be the main attraction at the region’s first marine life theme park.

To create the perfect environment for the penguins, the air temperature in their zone will be maintained at an incredible 1℃, while the water will be kept at a crisp 7℃. This ensures that they have the ideal climate to thrive.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these six distinctive penguin species:

1. King Penguin:
The King penguin is the second largest penguin in the world, slightly smaller but similar to the Emperor penguin. Known for their impressive hunting skills, they can consume up to 2,000 fish in a single day. With their large flippers, they can swim at speeds of up to six miles per hour, chasing after lanternfish and squid. Sometimes, they dive to depths of over 1,180 feet to find their prey.

2. Gentoo Penguin:
The Gentoo penguin is the third largest penguin species in the world and forms breeding colonies of varying sizes, ranging from a few dozen to thousands. They have streamlined bodies and strong paddle-shaped flippers that propel them at speeds of up to 22 miles per hour, making them the fastest diving bird. When hunting for fish, squid, and krill, they can stay underwater for up to seven minutes and dive as deep as 655 feet.

3. Rockhopper Penguin:
Identifiable by their thin yellow crest that extends behind their red eyes, Rockhopper penguins are the smallest of the crested penguins. During breeding times, they gather in large and noisy colonies, often consisting of hundreds of thousands of birds. Rockhoppers return to the same breeding ground and often seek out the same nest and partner each year.

4. Chinstrap Penguin:
Chinstrap penguins stand out with their black band around their chin, which gives them their name. They may be the most abundant penguin species, with an estimated population of 7.5 million breeding pairs. While feeding on krill in the water, their main predator is the leopard seal. On land, they face threats from skuas, giant petrels, and other seabirds that try to steal their eggs and attack their chicks.

5. Macaroni Penguin:
Macaroni penguins have a distinct appearance with yellow and black plumes on top of their heads. They can dive to depths of 15 to 70 meters and hold their breath for up to three minutes. Unlike other penguin species, they hop instead of waddle when on the ground.

6. Adelie Penguin:
Adelie penguins are built for swimming and can reach speeds of up to 9 miles per hour when hunting or evading predators. They primarily feed on tiny aquatic creatures such as krill but also consume fish and squid. Adelie penguins are known to dive as deep as 575 feet to find their prey, although they usually hunt in shallower waters.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s introduction of these six penguin species is set to attract visitors from around the world who are eager to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Don’t miss the chance to witness their fascinating behaviors and unique characteristics.

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