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There's Always Drama in Penguins

They waddle; they look like they're consistently in formal attire; and there are a few that call Chattanooga home. I'm not talking about paunch ballroom dancers but penguins.

As a Chattanoogan, I'm very lucky to have the incredible Tennessee Aquarium in my backyard. And on my first and subsequent visits, the penguin exhibit is hands down my favorite. But, here's the funny thing - I hate birds! Now before I hear from all you bird lovers out there, I'm sure there are plenty of wonderful things you could share about birds but a. you're not going to change my mind and b. I'm not going to like anything that has pooped on my head more times than I can count. It's like they know I don't like them and target me. However, the penguin is one of only two birds that I like because they can't actually fly and are darn cute. Hummingbirds also get a pass.

Luckily, the Tennessee Aquarium has a backstage pass option that can get you behind the scenes look throughout the facility including the penguin area.

Currently, the penguins are in nesting season. This made for some interesting displays in the penguin exhibit when I visited including a few fights and partner/nest switching. While this is a particularly tumultuous time for the penguin community, the Aquarium staff said there is always drama with the penguins which I found to be quite funny and true during my short time there including some love triangles and territorial spats.  

Shamrock - a Macaroni Penguin



Meet Shamrock. This little nugget is one of the sweeter birds and a Macaroni. I really dug her bright yellow tips. Loribeth, one of the penguin keepers, was kind enough to give me all kinds of insider info on penguins, stories of the individual birds in our Aquarium and a few penguin feathers to take home. Did you know that penguins have the most feathers of any bird? About 100 feathers per square inch to be more specific.




Here's a quick video I took of a few penguins playing with a toy. The most interesting thing about this video is you can hear how loud the other penguins are because of the nesting period.


    

And here's my last little shot of Shamrock who allowed me to give her a little caress. Their white bellies are much softer than their black backs.



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