Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Welcomes African Penguins in Historic 2020 Expansion
African Penguins Debut in Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach's Largest-Ever Expansion
Myrtle Beach, SC (October 29, 2019) – Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is thrilled to announce the opening of Ripley's Penguin Playhouse in early 2020.
This 5,500-square-foot expansion marks the largest in the aquarium's 20-year history. The state-of-the-art African penguin habitat features floor-to-ceiling viewing glass and a 360-degree crawl tunnel, allowing guests to immerse themselves among these fascinating birds. It also introduces the new Oceans of the World gallery with eight tanks displaying diverse fish species from around the globe.
With their iconic black-and-white plumage, African penguins are the only penguin species native to the African continent. They prefer warmer waters compared to their Antarctic cousins. Each bird's unique black stripes and spots serve as individual identifiers, akin to human fingerprints.
One of the world's most endangered penguin species, African penguin populations have declined by 60% in the last 28 years. Ripley's new colony, arriving in 2020, launches key conservation initiatives, including an on-site penguin nursery to care for chicks and build a thriving flock.
The expansion includes two cutting-edge classrooms for educational programs, school groups, and interactive experiences that bring guests face-to-face with these extraordinary birds.
Exclusive Guest Experiences
Penguin Encounters – Interact and even gently pet Ripley's adorable penguins beak-to-beak, guided by expert aquarium staff.
Paint with the Penguins – Partner with a penguin to create and take home a unique footprint art masterpiece!
"Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is beyond excited to welcome penguins to our family. This immersive new habitat will captivate guests while advancing our missions in education, conservation, and research. It delivers world-class entertainment for all ages," said Pablo Chavez, General Manager of Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Opened in 1997, Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach houses over 14,000 fish and offers hands-on experiences like petting stingrays and bamboo sharks, holding horseshoe crabs, and watching hourly dive shows. A highlight is the 750,000-gallon Dangerous Reef tunnel, where visitors come eye-to-eye with sharks, giant sawfish, and Gabby the green sea turtle.
Located at 110 Celebrity Circle in Broadway at the Beach, the aquarium is open 365 days a year.
About Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley's Aquariums are part of Ripley Entertainment Inc., a global leader in location-based entertainment. Over 14 million visitors explore its 100+ attractions across 10 countries annually. Beyond its aquariums and Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando-based company manages publishing, licensing, and media including the Believe It or Not! TV show and comic strip. Ripley Entertainment is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, Canada's second-largest private company. Visit RipleyAquariums.com/MyrtleBeach and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
