The aquarium commissioned local Manly artist, Rachel Carroll, to create bespoke designs for the Little Penguin nesting boxes to help raise awareness of the dangers of plastic on the beautiful flightless birds.
The Little Penguins immediately took to the nest boxes, waddling amongst the colourful artwork, with some even scoping out the new homes for potential hubs to nest on their eggs.
Around 200 marine species alone are impacted by ingestion or entanglement of marine debris, most notably, plastic. As a result, each Little Penguin nesting box has been designed to tell a different story through vibrant, conceptual artworks to help showcase the environmental issues penguins face. The illustrations explore a range of issues including how plastics can enter the penguin’s diet, how penguins struggle to navigate to their own homes due to plastic cluttering the beach and the risk of penguins being entangled in plastic string.
“I am passionate about the environment and the effect plastic has on Little Penguin populations so this project fits perfectly with my motivation to increase awareness on the topic. For me, art is a tool of communication and if I can present my message visually I think the impact will last longer and appeal to all ages,” said Rachel.
“We are delighted to be teaming up with a local artist who can bring to life the importance of conserving our marine environment for this vulnerable Australian species. Creating art through the penguin homes is a great way to raise awareness of the aquarium’s BREED, RESCUE, PROTECT initiatives and also encourages the public to recycle” said Martin Garwood, aquarist, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,” she said.
The bright new enclosure is set to make waves amongst the penguins with a new waterfall which will contribute to the enrichment of the colony. Guests will even be able to hear what the penguins think of their new hot property by hearing the noises inside their exhibit with the turn of a wheel and enjoy other new interactions in the penguin zone too.
In addition to the refurbishment of the Little Penguins exhibit, a brand new open coral tank will be revealed. Aquarists will be presenting twice daily interactive coral shows to raise awareness of the importance of coral in sustaining one of the world’s most pristine natural habitats, the Great Barrier Reef.
What: New Homes and Gardens these holidays at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Where: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
Opening hours: Open 9am-8pm
For more information and bookings, please visit sydneyaquarium.com.au
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