There’s a lot happening at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium this month. It’s breeding season for the 20 gentoo penguins who live in the Aquarium’s Antarctica habitat. Their dating and mating habits are the focus of a new TikTok reality series, “Love on Thin Ice.” Meanwhile, in the Ocean Explorer wing, a baby giant Pacific octopus is settling into his new habitat and interacting with the aquarists who take care of him. At the same time, an Earth Day celebration focusing on flowers and pollinators is planned for April 22. 

“Love on Thin Ice”

Contrary to popular belief, not all penguin species mate for life. Each year, during a breeding season that lasts approximately from February through May, both male and female gentoo penguins will “play the field” before settling down to raise chicks with a particular mate. About 90% of the time, the penguins will return to their mates from previous seasons. However, as the Aquarium’s social media specialist, Ashley Mitchell, explained, “The drama comes from penguins exploring other options.” 

Squabbles over mate stealing and changing preferences ensue during breeding season. Mitchell said that the endotherm team, who take care of the Aquarium’s warm-blooded animals, had long observed quite a bit of dramatic behavior among the gentoo penguins. The idea to produce a “dating” reality series documenting their romantic foibles on TikTok is yet another way in which the Aquarium seeks to connect people to the animals.

“‘Love on Thin Ice’ is a reality dating series but also educational,” Mitchell added. “We want to debunk myths about penguin behavior.”

Visitors to the gentoo penguin habitat will notice an abundance of small, smooth stones scattered about.  Male penguins will choose one of these stones to present to a female. If the female is impressed with his offering, she will find a stone for him. The couple will continue to collect rocks until a nest is built. In the end, it takes a male and female to raise their chicks. “It’s a two penguin job,” Mitchell said.

The new reality series has attracted thousands of new followers to the Aquarium’s TikTok. To view the series and other Aquarium-related content, visit tiktok.com/@livingplanetaquariumut

A new baby octopus

Last January, a baby giant Pacific octopus was introduced to his new habitat at the Aquarium. The 6 month old has been getting used to his new living space and accustomed to the aquarists who take care of him. 

Saltwater aquarist Krissy Lindsey said of his species, “They’re very smart. They learn to interact with the aquarists. They’ll come to the surface and enjoy the sensation of splashing.”

Lindsey expressed that she was surprised at the octopus’ strength. “The force of their suckers is stronger than I thought,” she said, noting that they can leave bruises on human skin. 

The new octopus is still quite small at only 4 1/2 pounds. Measuring from the tip of one tentacle to the end of another, he is approximately 4 feet long. A fully grown giant Pacific octopus can measure 16 feet across and weight 100-130 pounds. “He’s got a lot of growing to do,” Lindsey said.

The giant Pacific octopus is not only the largest octopus species, but has the longest life span at three to five years. The new baby octopus enjoys a diet of crabs, shrimp, clams and different types of fish. 

Like many animals at the Aquarium, he is given physically and mentally stimulating toys and activities. “We give them all sorts of puzzle toys where you have to work to get the food out,” Lindsey explained. “They can also open lids. We give them jars and other containers that have lids like a Tupperware or plastic Easter egg.” 

In the wild, the species is found along the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska as well as across the ocean in Japan. They prefer fairly shallow, cold water. While the giant Pacific octopus is not currently classified as endangered, ocean warming trends threaten their habitat. The water in the baby octopus’ habitat is kept at a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A sign outside the habitat asks that visitors refrain from using flash photography. “Octopuses are more sensitive to bright, flashing light,” Lindsey said. “They like to live in dark, tight places such as a hole in a rock.” Nocturnal by nature, the octopus is most active earlier in the morning and later in the day. 

The octopus habitat is located next to that of the bioluminescent flashlight fish in the Ocean Explorer wing. 

Earth Day at the Aquarium

On April 22, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will celebrate Earth Day with educational activities, craft projects and live music throughout the day. All of the festivities will be included with the price of admission. Event Manager Leanna Read said, “All of our guests can enjoy it.” 

One of this year’s event themes focuses on flowers and pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds. All visitors will receive a wildflower seed packet and there will be a flower-making activity. 

“We’re also going to be focusing on native Utah wildlife and species so that guests can learn how to take care of the Earth right here at home,” Read said. Some of the Utah species that will be highlighted include river chubs, boreal toads and the river otters. Live animal spotlight presentations are planned for the day. 

Aquarium visitors can also enjoy live musical performances by the drum group, Trash Panda. “It’s a party for the planet,” Read said. “We’ve been doing this for the past few years. This year we will have more activities and things to do. We want to encourage people to become better stewards of the world around them.” 

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located at 12033 Lone Peak Parkway in Draper. For more information, visit livingplanetaquarium.org. λ