Atlanta aquarium: Watch live penguins while you're stuck at home

Webcams at the Georgia Aquarium, which show marine life footage of beluga whales and African penguins, can offer the easy viewing and peaceful content consumption needed during the trying times of the coronavirus outbreak.

The African penguin webcam and Asian small clawed otter webcam were launched in 2017 for "Penguin Awareness Day," which was celebrated on Jan. 20, this year.

A couple tips for viewing: You can tap on the toggle button to the right hand side to change view; the video will stream for 30 minutes without interruption. After that, if you are leaving open on your computer or smart phone, you will need to tap the refresh button to continue watching for another 30 minutes. You may also need to tap the play button to start viewing.

Over 50 African penguins reside in the colony at the Georgia Aquarium. African penguins are social creatures which bond for life, and many of the penguins there are bonded pairs. African penguins are also an endangered species, and many of the penguins at Georgia Aquarium are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This plan helps to promote genetic diversity within populations of endangered species residing in zoological institutions by selective and strategic breeding.

All of the webcams, which also include one focusing on four beluga whales, can be found at https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/connect/webcams and are available for viewing 8 a.m. - 11 p.m every day.

Webcams for sea lions, and another video camera focusing on jellies (gelatinous animals that drift through the ocean's water column around the world) are planned to be added during the coming weeks.

While viewers may tune in to the various exhibits, the Ocean Voyager webcam (see below) may be the biggest draw because viewers can see so much at once: thousands of animals inhabiting a 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager. This exhibit includes four whale sharks, four manta rays and a green sea turtle. Peak activity times vary for sea animal.

But you can tune in from the comfort of your home when you need a relaxing view of the ocean and marine life.

Here are some good times to tune in daily:

*The following times reflect the schedule when the aquarium is fully functioning. The times are subject to change during the facility’s closure due to COVID-19.*

Tropical Diver Indo-Pacific Reef habitat: 10:30 a.m. dive shows; 3 p.m. feedings.

Ocean Voyager: Noon and 12:30 p.m. you can see divers; 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m whale shark feedings

Asian small-clawed otters: 11 a.m. training sessions

African penguins: feedings occur throughout the day.

Visiting Georgia Aquarium:

*NOTE: The aquarium will be closed for a two-week period due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Where: The aquarium is situated across the street from the north end of Centennial Olympic Park at 225 Baker Street in Atlanta. Entrances to the aquarium's parking decks can be found on Luckie Street and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard.

When to go: Although the aquarium is open 365 days, its hours vary from day to day. The hours adjust depending on the month and also on specific days. Generally, the facility opens around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and remains open until 9 p.m. Some days it closes earlier, at 5 p.m. Double check the aquarium's hours online before you visit, or call (404) 581-4000.

Cost: General admission tickets cost $35.95 for adults (ages 13 to 64), $29.95 for children (ages 3 to 12) and $31.95 for seniors (65 plus). Prices are reduced by up to 30 percent after 4 p.m. Parking costs an additional $12 but there are reduced packages for purchasing aquarium tickets and parking ahead of time.

There are several other discount packages and deals available for families and groups.

How to get in free: Every Monday, the aquarium opens its doors for free to military personnel and veterans. Immediate family members also receive a 10 percent discount. The aquarium also offers free entrance to visitors on their birthdays. So, if you were looking for a creative birthday activity, the Georgia Aquarium is definitely a good option.

About the Author

Helena Oliviero