Penguins to march into S.C. Aquarium

The newest attraction planned for the South Carolina Aquarium next spring won't fit in the Piedmont, the Mountain Forest or even the Salt Marsh exhibit.

But misfits or not, penguins make money.

Because of their planned location in the aquarium's Great Hall, the flightless birds will become the first exhibit a visitor sees upon entering the aquarium, according to spokeswoman Beth Nathan.

"Penguins are a proven draw in other markets," Nathan said. "We're hoping to enjoy increased visitors and membership."

Aquarium attendance dropped by more than 10,400 people between 2006 and 2007, with school attendance alone down by 5,000.

Plans for the exhibit are still in the works, but Nathan said the penguins will be a warm weather species.

The aquarium is working with other aquariums around the country to plan details of the exhibit.

The penguins will be on an extended visit in Charleston, but not a permanent fixture, Nathan said. To accommodate them, the aquarium will move its touch tank in the Great Hall and reopen it with upgrades on the second floor in November.

Though penguins conjure images of tuxedoed birds sliding across chunks of ice in arctic waters, most live in more temperate climates, according to Tom Dyer, an aviculturist with the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

The aquarium features 17 African black-footed penguins and three Rockhopper penguins, both warm weather species. Dyer said apart from building an environment, maintaining the birds doesn't cost as much one might guess.

The Aquarium of the Americas keeps the water at 60 degrees and the air at 68 degrees for the penguins.

Read more in Thursday's edition of The Post and Courier.