Introducing Sydney’s New King:

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is preparing for a royal fanfare this summer to mark the arrival of a new monarch, its first ever King Penguin, ‘Nog’.

The two year old male bird has been announced as the pioneering member of the King and Gentoo Penguin colonies which will live in a dazzling recreation of their sub-Antarctic, ancestral home of Macquarie Island at the Darling Harbour attraction’s Penguin Expedition – the world’s only penguin exhibit with a ride.

Set to open in November 2016, the new exhibit will allow for royal visits with his majesty. Guests will board rafts to pass by the stately Nog and his subjects, and experience resplendent flurries of snow, whistling winds and the stunning southern lights, whilst feeling the chill factor at a cool yet comfortable six degrees Celsius. The trip will end at the Macquarie Island Explorer Hut where visitors will learn about these inspiring creatures.

David Watts, Displays Manager, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, said that Nog’s charisma and caring nature made him a natural choice for the historic mantle of Sydney’s first King.

“Nog is an energetic and cheeky character who likes to look after the younger chicks and is respected and loved by his peers. He’s also easy to spot with his big eyes and funny walk as he waddles with his head down, as if he is heading to important matters of state. We’re hoping that his agreeable nature will see him attract a queen and we can welcome a royal chick into our breeding program in the next few years.”

In line with SEA LIFE tradition, Nog’s name is a reference to his father, Egg, making the pair ‘Egg Nog’. The humorous moniker befits the playful personality that makes the King invaluable to helping the city’s leading attraction communicate its conservation values of ‘BREED, RESCUE and PROTECT’.

Steve Hinks, General Manager, Merlin Entertainments plc Darling Harbour Attractions, said the world first exhibit aims to highlight the importance of protecting the penguins’ environment.

“Penguin Expedition is the biggest investment SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has made in a creature exhibit in its 28 year history, and is our best opportunity to educate visitors on the conservation threats facing the penguins’ home on Macquarie Island. Nog will be key in creating awareness on the importance of the fight against plastic pollution, dwindling fish stocks and habitat destruction, which all impact these wonderful birds.”

King Penguins are regal in name and stature, growing up to 100cm tall and weighing anywhere between 11 and 16kg, making them the second largest -penguin species in the world. These majestic birds can be identified by their black and white livery accented with striking orange and yellow colouration in their head, beak, and neck area.

Unlike most birds, King Penguins do not make nests. Instead, a single egg is incubated on the feet of one parent for eight to 10 weeks and kept warm by a flap of skin called a brood pouch. 

For more information, visit www.sydneyaquarium.com.au.