SeaWorld®

Penguin Encounter:
Students experience an arctic ecosystem and compare the Polar Regions with other ecosystems.

During an exploration of Sea World’s interactive exhibits, students see penguins display their fantastic swimming abilities when they dive off of their rocky dwelling into the freezing water below.

Did you know:

In the penguin exhibit, the air temperature is 30ºF, the water temperature is 45ºF, and 6000 lbs. of snow falls daily.
Although Antarctica has few human inhabitants, parts of it are claimed by seven different nations. The area is protected by the Antarctic Treaty which bans military activity, nuclear testing, and waste dumping.

Edge of Extinctionr:
Go behind the scenes to learn about manatees and sea turtles, and what actions you can take to help endangered animals.

Students learn of SeaWorld’s efforts to preserve and protect endangered and threatened species as they observe manatees and sea turtles in animal support areas including the animal rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Florida manatees are slow swimmers. They have been clocked up to 15 miles per hour for short bursts, but the animals usually cruise at speeds of 6 m.p.h. or less.
It is estimated that manatees live a maximum of 50 to 60 years.
Although manatees are excellent swimmers, the deepest that one has been observed diving is 33 feet. Typically, the large, gentle creatures feed no deeper than about ten feet below the surface of the water.

1487	1959	1972	1987
Bartholomeu Dias de Novaes becomes the first European explorer to see penguins.	Antarctic Treaty is signed making it illegal to harm penguins.	Polar Bears become protected under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.	Penguin Encounter exhibit opens at Sea World.