SAN FRANCISCO, C.A.—The new multi-million dollar California Academy of Sciences, dubbed by experts to be a technological marvel for its green and energy efficient design, on Wednesday revealed for the first time its newly renovated African Hall, including penguin habitat and dioramas.
The $488 million dollar renovation is expected to draw at least 2 million people from around the world every year. The museum will re-open in September this year in its original historic location—the city's Golden Gate Park.
"We are about 100 days before we re-open on Sept. 27, so tension is really picking up here as we are getting the exhibits ready," said Dr. Chris Andrews Director of Steinhart Aquarium.
New exhibits involve more technology and encourage personal interaction, according to Andrews. The Academy's plan is to help its visitors to understand, and learn from the exhibits even more.
"It's a perfect blend between the new and the old museum, but we have some surprises for our guests," said Andrews.
One of the major draws in the new museum is expected to be the recreated African Hall which includes 21 dioramas arranged in geographic order showcasing a variety of mounted and live African animals representing Africa's diverse ecosystem.
"Penguins here in the African Hall really show that they are connected and are really important part of the entire ecosystem. So, when you are saving one animal, you really need to save the entire ecosystem—the water, the rocks, their food source—all of these are connected," said Dr. Carol Tang of the Academy.
The new penguin habitat, with African penguins waddling and swimming behind an acrylic glass, was modeled after Boulder's Beach in South Africa where a noisy, bustling colony of these birds strolls along the sand and shares the beach with public.
"One of the things we've noticed since we moved the birds in here is that they've really become a lot more active and they are spending a lot more time swimming in the water, exploring their new habitat which is a good sign," said Stephanie Stone from the Academy.
The Academy has had eight colonies of African penguins since 1983 and scientist have been breeding the birds in captivity. All of the birds of the exhibit were born in captivity, seven of them were born in the last year when the Academy was in its temporary downtown facility.
"Penguins are very attractive, they are cute and they are fun, but they are also an inseparable part of the natural habitat and the natural world we live in," said Dr. Tang.
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