From Suma Aqualife Park to Kobe Suma Sea World: A Penguin Lover’s Journey
One of my early memories of dating my now husband is going to Suma Aqualife Park together. Built in 1957, the modest aquarium was showing its age, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves. I was front and center for the penguin parade as adorable Magellanic penguins waddled past the crowd. We returned to the aquarium several times over the years, enjoying holiday celebrations, and of course, always visiting the penguins.
Penguin parade at Suma Aqualife Park
Then one day we visited to find the aquarium had completely changed. Most of the big tanks were gone, replaced by construction equipment and mounds of dirt. Suma Aqualife Park was to be replaced by a Sea World. My husband and I were torn. We’d created fond memories here over the years. How could a big corporate aquarium take its place? And yet, the Suma Aqualife Park was old, and many of the animal exhibits were outdated. A fresh start could be good for the aquarium. In any case, the opening was years away, and as time passed, it slipped from my mind — until the Grand Opening.
Suma Aqualife Park reduced to rubble
The new Kobe Suma Sea World was a big deal, and on the day they opened, the line stretched down the block. It was a hot, sunny first day of June, and Sea World representatives passed out paper fans to those waiting. Finally, it was our turn to enter. While others stopped to marvel at the sights and sounds, I was on a mission. I made a beeline for the penguins.
The Magellanic penguin exhibit at Kobe Suma Sea World
Located on the fourth floor of the Aqualife building, the Magellanic penguin habitat is a wonderful upgrade. Created to mimic their natural South American habitat, the exhibit features a sandy plain dotted with plants and trees. Rocky caves serve as the perfect nesting spot. A rocky beach slopes down into a clear pool, where visitors can watch the penguins swim from multiple vantage points, both above and below the water.
Magellanic penguins swimming at Kobe Suma Sea World
Feeding time began shortly after my arrival. I joined the large crowd of people encircling the habitat. Inside, several uniformed zookeepers stood armed with buckets full of fish. Ringing a bell above his head, one keeper led the penguins around the perimiter, allowing everyone to get a good view. The penguins eagerly snatched fish out of the keepers’ hands. Some squabbled, or dropped their fish, but the keepers always made sure that everyone got their fill, and indeed, one keeper stood to the side making notes on a clipboard. All the while, the head keeper spoke to the crowd in Japanese — not my strong suit, unfortunately, so I can’t say for certain what was said. At the end of feeding time, the remaining fish were tossed into the pool, and the penguins whizzed through the water, much more graceful than they had been on land.
Penguin feeding time at Kobe Suma Sea World
No trip to an aquarium could be complete without a trip to the gift shop. Kobe Suma Sea World has two, but for penguin lovers the shop beneath the dolphin stadium has the most variety. Tempted as I was to buy a giant plush penguin, I settled for a Sumikko Gurashi penguin keychain.
One of two gift shops at Kobe Suma Sea World
Suma Aqualife Park had history and charm. I’ll never forget my visits there, and the joy I felt at the penguin parade. But the penguins have a brand new exhibit at Kobe Suma Sea World, with plenty of room to swim and breed. Their new habitat allows visitors to learn about and appreciate Magellanic penguins.