Outdoor Marine Garden- Sky Journey
As you step out of the elevator, you are greeted by the unusual spectacle of palm trees in the heart of the city, and inside a skyscraper no less. Under the all-encompassing blue sky, you will find a lively area with penguins swimming and otters running around. Here you can also admire sea lions going about their lives, relaxing on a sandy beach and swimming as if flying across the blue sky.
Highlight
Penguins in the Sky
"Penguins in the Sky" is a spacious, approximately 12m wide overhanging tank. In front of your eyes African Penguins swim, looking as if flying over the city buildings, and when you look up, you will see more penguins flapping their wings overhead, a dynamic show the likes of which you have never seen before. In this particular place, which can only be experience in the Sunshine Aquarium, you will find it hard to tell whether you are up in the sky or underwater. To top it all, the hi-res speakers in the front of the tank reproduce the sound of waves which are designed to give you the impression of being in shallow waters, while in the back of the tank the sound of bubbles will give you the soothing feeling of finding yourself in the depths of the ocean.
*The number of African penguins on display in the Penguins in the Sky tank is temporarily reduced from around 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. every day for feeding.
Penguins in the Grassland
South Africa’s Cape Town, home to African Penguins in the wild, features many sandy beaches as well as nearby grasslands. "Penguins in the Grassland"is a tank that offers a glimpse of African Penguins in their natural habitat. Complete with nesting holes, this exhibition gives you the chance to observe couples of African Penguins living together and raising their babies.
Sunshine Aqua Ring
Here you can enjoy the spectacle of sea lions swimming as if flying across the sky against the backdrop of the Sunshine 60 Building, as well as closely observe from below their bellies and paws, parts of their bodies that are rarely seen. Additionally, only in this outdoor tank one can enjoy the distinctive show of flickering, sparkling water lit up by the rays of the sun. Daytime is the recommended time for enjoying this tank, as in the evening the sea lions return to the pool.
Otters on the Waterfront
Asian Small-clawed Otters, whose natural habitat is near the water, tend to live in groups made up of family units and communicate among each other with a variety of cries. In the water, they are able to capture their preys with quick movements made possible by their dexterous forepaws. On land, they spend their time playing with tree branches and pebbles, and taking leisurely naps.
Sky Path
White Pelicans typically hunt in groups, cooperating with each other and using their large throat pouches like nets. Once their hearty meals are over and their hunger is sated, they resume their care-free existence, preening their feathers or sunbathing in their favorite spots.
Sparkling Fountain
The fish graciously swimming in the water may surprise you by leaping out of the water from time to time. In most cases, the reason for such behavior is not well understood, but in certain cases, their goal in jumping out of the water is clear. It is a typical case of "predatory behavior". "Sparkling Fountain" offers the chance to see fish taking huge leaps out of the water in order to eat bait lifted up in the air at feeding time. Also not to be missed is the spectacle of sparkling fish basking in the sunshine.
*For animal welfare, some exhibits will close before the aquarium closing hours.
