Improved plumbing and lighting also ensures a more natural habitat for the penguins to live and breed. Wild penguin populations are in trouble, and this exhibit connects visitors to the compelling conservation saga occurring now in the southern hemisphere. Penguin biologists now consider nine of the total 17 penguin species to be endangered or vulnerable and two more species to be near threatened. The fact that many penguin species can no longer sustain their populations suggests a sick planet. Wild penguins are threatened by the affects of El Niqo, oil spills, habitat destruction and the overfishing of their food supplies.
Little blues are native to the coastal waters and islands of Australia and New Zealand.
African penguins are found on islands off the coast of South Africa and Namibia. Wild rockhoppers can be found on or near islands in the temperate waters of the South Atlantic and South Indian Oceans. Aquarium members and children younger than 3 are admitted free. The New England Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and conveniently located on the MBTA's Blue Line. Aquaphone, an audio exhibit guide full of in-depth educational material, is available for an extra fee.