Located through large glass doors after “The Wharf,” The Aviary really makes you feel like you are engulfed in this specific ecosystem. The right side of the exhibit has an open tank with stingrays and small sharks. The left side of the exhibit has a fake beach with birds hobbling about. An aspect of this exhibit that really impresses me is an underwater camera that anyone can control in the open stingray tank. You can turn the camera left or right and zoom in and out, having the picture change on a screen below corresponding with your movement. Although this interactive technology is not very informative, it does add a very fun aspect to this area, exemplified by the consistent line of people waiting behind it.
Interactive underwater camera. Image taken by me.
Once you exit the Aviary, you will see “touch pools” on your right that allow you to feel the tangible aspects of starfish and other aquatic animals that are safe to handle. After walking through the aviary and touch pool areas, you can walk up the stairs in order to get to the penguin exhibit. I suggest visiting this exhibit during a feeding time in order to get a informative presentation on penguins and their diet On the wall directly across from where the penguins are, you will see a couple more hands-on learning displays. One in particular that I find intriguing teaches you about the different sounds penguins make and what they mean. You will see that the instructions for this display are in both Spanish and English to accommodate a diverse group of people. The penguins provide a fun and entertaining exhibit for children and there are feedings shows throughout the day that you can attend. As you walk past the penguin display, you will enter a kids play zone that has areas for children to learn and play if you are interested in letting your child blow off some steam.