Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium’s African penguin colony made its Hollywood debut last weekend in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino and Angela Lansbury, the film is an adaptation of the 1938 children’s book about a businessman unexpectedly inheriting six penguins.

In December 2010, the “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” crew filmed Mystic Aquarium’s Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Exhibit, home of 30 resident African penguins, to use in a scene where Mr. Popper and his family visit the zoo. To celebrate the film’s opening, two of the African penguins donned their tuxedoes and walked the red carpet on opening night for a special private screening at Palace Theater, located at 330 New Park Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut. Theater guests saw our penguins walk the red carpet, took photos, met Mystic Aquarium penguin trainers and received Mystic Aquarium coupons in the main lobby.

Mystic Aquarium’s African penguin colony is a favorite among visitors. As New England’s hands-on aquarium, visitors can experience an interactive 60-minute African penguin encounter program where an African penguin trainer describes these remarkable birds, their care at the aquarium and the special bond they form with their trainers. Participants learn about the history of the species and conservation issues affecting these intriguing animals. Additionally, the African penguin exhibit offers above- and below-water viewing. Visitors can watch the birds interact on the exhibit’s rocks, then head below to the underwater viewing windows for an up close look at them swimming and socializing. The African penguins are on exhibit daily and summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Learn more at www.mysticaquarium.org or www.searesearch.org.

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