We really like New Zealand; it’s on the short list of
countries we’d consider moving to if a complete idiot became President in the
US. The Maori came
between 1250 and 1300, about 500 years before the Europeans. More than 60% of
Kiwis have some Maori ancestors; and teaching the language is compulsory in
primary school. The country has a very diverse population.
We spent the morning at Kelly Tarleton’s Antarctic Aquarium.
He was the Jacques Cousteau of New Zealand, which is a major player in the
management and conservation of Antarctica. The aquarium showcases marine life
found in the Southern Ocean. New Zealand is very environmentally aware as
they’ve been dealing with the hole in the ozone layer for over 25 years.
The porcupine puffer fish was the most unique thing we saw.
I’d seen Lion Fish on my reef dives, but this specimen was
spectacular.
This octopus was also much more active than I’d seen on dives.
These are elephant sharks. Who knew? Kelly
Tarleton.
They shared a tank with sting rays. That barbed tail is
dangerous, as Steve Irwin discovered.
Don’t have to worry about a sting ray's mouth, though; similar to
manta rays in that respect.
Do have to worry about bites from a sand tiger shark. My
Grandma, what big teeth you have.
Gentoo Penguins can swim quite fast; the better to evade tiger sharks.
They like seals better anyway.
These are King Penguins, largest of all except for Emperors.
Emperor Penguins can stay under water for 20 minutes and dive more than 500
meters down.
Baby King Penguins are born with all black feathers before
developing their unique plumage.
Finishing the post with a couple of fun shots of penguins
waddling and a sea horse bouncing:
We really enjoyed Kelly Tarleton’s Antarctic Aquarium.
Next up: more New Zealand outdoor activities in the Auckland afternoon.
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