P-P-Pick up a pebble at The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham this half term

This February half term, week starting 14^th February to 22^nd February, waddling penguins will be gearing up for a fun-filled conservation week.

To mark the occasion, families will be invited to discover more about the quirky habits of the adorable birds. Visitors will also be invited to take part in a host of exciting penguin activities, including perfecting their own penguin waddle and taking part in various arts and crafts activities.

The centre will also honour the charming tradition of the penguin pebble ritual, so love will also be in the air! Male Gentoo penguins search through piles of pebbles during the mating season, trying to find the most perfect, smoothest one, which they will then present to their chosen companion. If she approves, the female penguin puts the stone in her nest and the courting ritual is complete.

The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is embracing this unique custom, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, members of the public will have the opportunity to decorate their very own pebbles, especially for their loved ones.

Visitors will have a truly Antarctic experience as they meet the Gentoo colony, with multiple viewing platforms, an indoor temperature of a cool eight degrees Celsius and an interactive ice wall, all at the Penguin Ice Adventure attraction.

Naomi Bird, Aquarist/Penguin Keeper at The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, said: “Penguin Conservation Week is back and promises to be even more fun than last year. Just watching the penguins as they swim, dive and swoop is fantastic entertainment in itself; they are such charismatic and loveable birds. Visitors might even catch a glimpse of the interesting love triangle that’s been developing within the colony; we have been monitoring the passing of the pebbles very carefully.”

It will also be the last chance to see the mesmerising jellyfish in the Jellyfish Discovery Zone before they continue their journey to a sister SEA LIFE Centre in the UK.

Families can also experience everything else that the aquarium has to offer, including Asian short clawed Otters, a rescued Giant Green Sea Turtle and the Interactive Rockpool, where visitors will be able to touch a crab and starfish.

Guests can also watch feeds and listen to educational talks held by members of The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham’s experienced team.

For further information, or to pre-book tickets and save up to 40%, please visit www.SEALIFE.co.uk/birmingham