Highlights from the California Academy of Sciences.
Yesterday was the second day in a row I’ve been to CAS (4th time since the re-opening in September), and it just never fails to entertain. I took my brother Noel for his first time at the place; I don’t think he ever came even before the remodel.
Anyway, this is the first time I’ve ever taken care to attend all the scheduled “shows”/presentations at the exhibits— definitely worth it.
My favorite part took place during the penguin feeding (check out these penguin webcams set up by CAS), which I had seen before. What I hadn’t heard before was that one of the penguins, named Pierre, actually had his own Wikipedia page— and for good reason!
That’s right kids— our boy Pierre’s wearing a fucking custom wetsuit!!!
You see, at the ripe old age of 26 (African Penguins usually peace out at 15 yrs in the wild), Pierre’s the oldest of the bunch. When he was 14, his annual molting left his old-ass bald-as-fuck. Since non-baldness is crucial to a penguin’s warmth and buoyancy, they made Pierre a wetsuit to keep him warm & accepted by his peers. Soon after, our monochromatic friend’s feathers grew back! Touching.
Check this out:
Here’s another famous CAS member, Claude the albino alligator. Apparently, there are only 50 in the whole world because they rarely survive without camouflage.
If you haven’t gone already, go check it out. It’s pricey, but don’t forget there’s always free days!
