Penguin-cams are now at
the California Academy of Sciences.
Upon writing this blog, the California Academy of Sciences is scheduled to open in 94 days. After years of planning, staff is contemplating two digits - literally three months until opening. It seems surreal. But progress at the park is moving along at a steady clip. African Hall is nearly done, with the backdrops painted and the specimens perfectly placed.
Select staff took a tour the other day across the western expanse of the public floor to see the new changes. The Foucault pendulum is placed in its new home with only a few touches needed before opening. Speculation was given over who will have the job of placing the pegs on a regular basis. The floor exhibits are being placed and labels are being printed. The tanks on the floor are being outfitted and water is being tested before fish are added. The opening is starting to feel palpable.
Yet so much is still to be done and a great deal of the building is off limits for staff because construction is on-going. Yet, so many still just want a little sneak peak. For this, there is one area with constant access albeit through technology. Three webcams have been placed in the new African penguin enclosure that now streams real time video footage. The enclosure sports a more natural rocky look and is twice the size of the penguin enclosure on Howard Street. The new residents at the end of African Hall are acclimating quite well to their new abode. The enclosure holds the 20 African penguins and they are now Academy ambassadors through our website. Views give a wide view of the enclosure, an underwater view and a handheld view from Pam Schaller, senior Aquatic Biologist and Penguin handler.
Along with streaming video, the Academy penguin-cam page features a blog updated by Pam about penguin behavior and research. Amongst the blog tidbits include observations of penguin courting and unusual markings on Ocio, one of the penguins. But you don't have to take my word for it - you can visit yourself and spend some time with the Academy African penguins by visiting here.