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Governor
Cuomo Announces Groundbreaking of
Humboldt
Penguin Exhibit at Aquarium of Niagara
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New State-of-the-Art
Penguin Habitat Projected to Attract
an Additional
30,000 Visitors Each Year to the Aquarium
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Albany,
NY – February 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo announced (Friday, Feb. 24) the groundbreaking of a $3.3
million project to create a new penguin exhibit at the Aquarium
of Niagara in Western New York. This exhibit will allow the aquarium
to add exciting new programming and interactive features to the already
highly popular attraction while providing a state-of-the-art habitat for
the colony of Humboldt penguins. The project will quadruple the size of
the existing exhibit, allowing the aquarium to seek accreditation from
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“This
new, state-of-the-art exhibit will be yet another reason to visit the new
Niagara Falls, a city that is truly on the move,” Governor Cuomo said.
“We are investing in Western New York like never before and projects like
this are key to increasing tourism and spurring local economic activity.
I encourage all New Yorkers and visitors alike to see for themselves what
Niagara Falls has to offer.”
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Accreditation
will allow the aquarium to expand the penguin colony through partnership
with other AZA institutions and restart a breeding program for these threatened
species. The aquarium currently attracts 270,000 visitors annually and
the new interactive exhibit is projected to attract an additional 30,000
visitors to the Niagara Falls aquarium each year.
“The
new Humboldt Penguin Exhibit is an exciting addition to an already premier
tourist destination, which will attract even more families that come to
enjoy the beauty of Niagara Falls and this region,” said Lieutenant Governor
Kathy Hochul during the groundbreaking ceremony. “Over the years, I often
brought my own children to enjoy this unique asset.”
The
3,500-square-foot exhibit and gallery will include 1,600-square-feet of
living space featuring a rock beach modeled after the Peruvian coast. Prominent
features include nesting areas for the birds and a spectacular viewing
area for visitors to enjoy above and below water viewing of the penguins
in their new 15,000-gallon pool. Adjacent to the exhibit will be a new
interactive classroom, bringing educational marine programs to the region
and beyond. The project also includes space for one-on-one penguin encounter
experiences as well as treatment areas for use by Aquarium veterinarians.
“We
are embracing the future, and are determined to provide a modern and inspiring
experience,” said Gary Siddall, Executive Director. “The community has
shown unwavering support, and we are thrilled to enhance visitor engagement
by bringing this dynamic exhibit to life.”
The
Aquarium of Niagara is one of only 20 facilities in the United States and
Canada to house the threatened Humboldt penguin species. The current exhibit
houses seven Humboldt penguins, half of which are geriatric. When completed
the new exhibit it is expected to be home to more than 20 of these flightless
seabirds.
“The
Humboldt Penguin exhibit is sure to be a hit with families looking for
an activity that is both entertaining and educational,” said Empire
State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky.
“The penguin habitat will attract more visitors and entice them to extend
their stay in Western New York, adding even more to the tourism industry’s
significant impact on the regional economy.”
The
New York Power Authority has provided
$1.75 million to support this penguin project through its Western New York
Power Proceeds Allocation Board, which uses earnings from the sale of unused
hydropower from the Niagara Power Project to fund economic development
projects in the region. Other funding includes $300,000 from the WNY Regional
Economic Development Council and $100,000 from Market New York.
“This
state-of-the-art renovation at the Aquarium of Niagara is another significant
step toward enhancing tourism in Western New York,” said Gil C. Quiniones,
NYPA president and CEO. “The Western New York Power Proceeds program has
proven to be a highly impactful economic development initiative for the
region. This expansion project at the aquarium is a wonderful example of
its effectiveness at work. NYPA is delighted to be part of this project
that will give Western New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to enjoy
our penguin residents for years to come.”
Mayor
Paul Dyster Quote said, “As Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls, it is important
that visitors to our city are not only educated, but entertained. This
state-of-the-art exhibit not only adds to the already popular programming
offered by the Aquarium of Niagara, but builds upon the exciting momentum
created by Governor Cuomo and our partners in state government to leverage
the city’s potential as a world-class tourist destination. I am confident
that this exhibit will provide yet another exciting experience for visitors
to the Aquarium of Niagara and look forward to welcoming our newest colony
of Humboldt penguins to their future home.”
State
Senator Rob Ortt said, “The new, modern and bigger exhibit will better
reflect the natural habitat of the unique Humboldt penguins, and allow
the aquarium to welcome a new colony that will help to bolster the declining
population of the species. Once completed, the exhibit will enhance the
visitor experience, draw more tourists to the area, and have a positive
impact on the city’s burgeoning economy.”
For
more information about the Aquarium of Niagara, visit this link: www.AquariumOfNiagara.org.
Project
Renderings (PDF file)
Source
Media
Contact:
Press
Office
518-474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |
