In honour of Sydney WorldPride, the sub-Antarctic penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium took part in a world-first PRIDE Penguin Parade.
The gentoo and king penguins proudly marched over a city skyline of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney Tower Eye, to commentary and rainbow flag waving from keepers and LGBTQIA+ representatives Alie Selvaraj and Scott Brazelton.
Sphen and Magic, the world-famous male, gentoo penguin couple even made a special guest appearance, showing characteristic curiosity, and standing under the bridge in prime spectator position.
PRIDE Penguin Parade participants included:
- Neptune, Arthur and Aurora: this season’s polyamorous, bisexual king penguin ‘throuple’
- Forrest and Nog, the newest king penguin couple, showing signs of a blossoming romance
- Odin and Wallace, the first interstate couple, following the arrival of Odin from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium last winter
- Derrick, the king penguin celebrating self-love this season
PRIDE Penguin Parade commentator and Penguin Keeper, Alie Selvaraj said, “The team at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium proudly supports and celebrates the right for everyone, including our penguins, to express themselves freely.
“Our gorgeous king and gentoo penguins are so full of individual personality and are fitting representatives of love taking many forms in the animal kingdom. They are the perfect ambassadors for our fun, Sydney WorldPride tribute!”
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline, adorned in rainbow flags, will be in position in the sub-Antarctic penguin enclosure until 5th March 2023.
It features alongside other Sydney WorldPride celebratory elements of the current ‘Dating & Mating’ guest experience, showcasing love, breeding and youngster rearing in the animal world. Highlights include the chance to:
- Help the same-sex penguin power couple Sphen and Magic build their pebble nest
- Discover which fish species transition from male to female throughout their life cycle
- Learn about the male endangered White’s seahorse giving birth while visiting the on-site nursery
- Snap a selfie with Pig the dugong in Pig’s Tunnel of Pride, or in front of the Oceans of Pride glitter wall
Event Details:
What: Dating & Mating at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
When: Now – 5 March 2023
Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Cost: Included in admission – 2-attraction pass for $65 per adult and $48 per child (free for under 3)
URL: www.visitsealife.com/sydney/whats-inside/events/dating-and-mating/
