The aquarium holds the world record for the longest-lived captive-bred penguin, a Magellanic penguin named 'Ginn'.
It is home to the world's largest collection of penguin species housed within a single facility.
The ocean enclosure uses a net system that allows penguins to experience natural tides, currents, and wild fish.
The facility actively rescues and rehabilitates injured wild penguins found along the Japanese coast.
The 'penguin walk' was pioneered here, allowing visitors to see the birds roam freely outside their enclosures.
The site features a replica of a wild penguin habitat to encourage natural nesting behaviors.
Staff conduct daily underwater feeding demonstrations that highlight the swimming speed and agility of different species.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is one of the few facilities worldwide to feature a natural ocean enclosure where penguins swim in actual seawater. It houses eight of the eighteen known penguin species, representing a significant conservation focus. The facility is located on the shores of Tachibana Bay, allowing the penguins to interact with a natural tidal environment. Visitors can observe penguins from underwater viewing windows or walk alongside them during designated outdoor exercise times. The aquarium acts as a research hub for penguin biology and maintains active breeding programs. Educational exhibits detail the environmental challenges facing wild penguin colonies. The site includes a dedicated penguin-themed beach and an indoor habitat for species requiring controlled temperatures.
The underwater viewing window provides the clearest opportunity to capture high-speed swimming maneuvers.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for the specific times of the 'penguin walk' and beach feeding sessions.
Bring binoculars if you plan to observe the penguins in the larger, deeper sections of the natural ocean enclosure.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the outdoor areas near the beach can be sandy and uneven.
Do not attempt to feed the penguins any food brought from outside the facility, as this disrupts their specialized diets.
Generally open year-round, but outdoor beach activities may be canceled during severe weather or high-tide conditions.
Do not touch the penguins or cross safety barriers during outdoor walking sessions; flash photography is strictly prohibited near enclosures.
