Wiseman Aquarium: A Summer Escape (in Winter)

Dreaming of a summer sabbatical this winter? Look no further!

GSC getaways include visits to a colorful coral reef, an adventure in the Amazon, a glimpse of graceful rays, and so much more! The best part? No passport is required.

All of these amazing exhibits await your exploration in the GSC’s Wiseman Aquarium (which is conveniently heated for a most enjoyable winter walk).

Whether you’re interested in colorful Pacific fishes, interesting isopods, or stunning sharks, our aquarium prides itself on showcasing the diversity of creatures that live in or near aquatic ecosystems.

Highlights of the aquarium include a variety of unique underwater habitats including a kelp forest and mangrove swamp!

Plan a visit to explore our watery world for yourself! This month only (February 2021), children receive half price admission on regularly priced weekday general admission tickets. Get your discount now.

African Penguins: No Ice Needed

When people picture penguins, icy Antarctica often comes to mind…. But, how about Africa?

The Greensboro Science Center is home to a colony of African penguins, native to southwestern Africa. African penguins are also known as black-footed penguins or jackass penguins (for the braying vocalizations that they make). Click here for a demo: https://youtu.be/JSNoc0rQ6vY.

At the GSC, the air temperature of their exhibit is kept around 65 degrees and the water is kept at 68 degrees. They’re located in our indoor aquarium, which is heated for human happiness, so even in winter, these birds are invariably visible!

Our penguins have lots of personality and, as an endangered species, they also provide a valuable lesson about the importance of our actions – including choosing sustainable seafood. Want to know where to start? Check out our partner: the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch^® program. 

Plan a visit to check out our cool penguin colony for yourself! This month only (February 2021), children receive half price admission on regularly priced weekday general admission tickets. Get your discount now.

Komodo Dragon: Hunger for the Hot Seat

When you think of winter animals, Komodo dragons may not be the first to come to mind. Native to tropical Indonesian islands, this species has specific temperature requirements.

Drogo, the GSC’s Komodo dragon, has both an indoor and outdoor exhibit space. During the cold months, you’ll find Drogo inside our museum’s Prehistoric Passages exhibit. There, his habitat is kept quite humid with temperatures between the mid-80s to 90 degrees and humidity around 60%. 

When it comes to it’s cool factor, the Komodo dragon’s lethal bite is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s keen sense of smell, large serrated teeth, and sheer size make this reptile a powerful predator indeed! 

During your visit, you’ll get to compare Drogo with ancient dinosaurs to gain an understanding of what adaptations reptiles of the past needed to survive.

Plan a visit to see Drogo for yourself! This month only (February 2021), children receive half price admission on regularly priced weekday general admission tickets. Get your discount now.