News

It’s easy to dream about retiring to a private island. But the New England Aquarium is making that a reality for its lucky elderly penguin population.  

The Boston-based aquarium has constructed a new “retirement island” dedicated to its geriatric African penguins. The birds, which range in age from 14 to 34, will receive more attention and care in the separate environment. Additionally, the newly built island boasts all the features the flippered friends may need as they age: flat areas for resting, mats for safety and ramps for mobility.

“We think of this island like assisted living, where we’re helping the birds be more comfortable in a calmer environment,” Diana Major, the aquarium’s Manager of Penguins, told Boston.com.

The New England Aquarium’s 150,000-gallon penguin exhibit is regarded as one of the best of its kind—spanning four stories as a centerpiece attraction in downtown Boston. Amazingly, more than half of the penguins have surpassed their expected life expectancy.

Fortunately, it seems like these penguins have a nice nest egg.