The Animal Ambassador Program is an exclusive benefit of the Aquarium's Corporate Partners Program. Corporate Members at the Partner level or higher receive an Animal Ambassador Program as part of their Corporate Partner Benefits package.The goal of the Animal Ambassador Program is to enhance the science curriculum of a local partner school while fostering the Aquarium's mission of conservation. Each year over 30 New England corporations donate this community outreach program to elementary schools, community groups, or other organizations. Up to 150 people can enjoy each program.
This hour-long informal science program presents a lively conservation education program. Using live animals, exhibits and creative drama, we bring a slice of the Aquarium to a school of your choice within the Boston metro area.
The "ambassador" is an African penguin. This animal was chosen because 90% of the African penguin population has been lost in the last century and the species may become extinct by the year 2040 if current conditions persist. Two aquarists offer a lesson on what makes a penguin special and why this particular species has experienced such a devastating decline in the wild. The first half of the program is an introduction of the African penguin and its unique biology among birds. The second half is a discussion of the conservation issues surrounding penguins in the wild and information about what the Aquarium is doing to help stabilize this population. The session is structured so that the audience makes the important discoveries themselves.
Two weeks before the program, we send a kit of teacher resources to prepare the students for the Aquarium visit. On the day of the program, the Aquarium van arrives with all of the necessary equipment, including backdrop, lighting and a sound system. The program can be held in a room, auditorium or other suitable space, as long as the temperature can be kept between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The African penguin is kept in a carrier and then placed in a Plexiglas cube where it remains for the duration of the program. People may come within a few feet, however some distance is advisable as the bird’s natural behavior may involve using its beak for self-defense. The aquarists are experienced animal handlers and will maintain contact and control of the animal at all times.
Penguin Program Requirements
- Program length: 60 minutes, plus 30 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to break down. Total time: 2 hours plus travel time.
- Program capacity: 150 people maximum
- Age appropriateness: grades 3-5
- Temperature constraints: Room must be 50-70 degrees, if over 70 degrees the program will be cancelled.
- Time and dates: The programs are always held on Tuesdays and can be scheduled after 10:30 a.m.
- It is important to hold the program in a wheelchair accessible room as the program equipment is heavy and cumbersome.
Please contact Whitney Clifford at 617-742-6029 or wclifford@neaq.org to discuss scheduling.
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