Chattanooga, Tenn. (June 4th, 2007) – “Penguins’ Rock” at the Tennessee Aquarium may be a long way from Shiverpool, Antarctica, but the gentoos and macaronis act like they’re the stars of Sony Pictures’ new film “Surf’s Up.”  That’s because a special wave machine creates ocean-like swells the penguins really dig.

In the wild penguins use waves to help propel their bodies out of the water and onto the rocky coastlines of the sub-Antarctic islands they call home.  There is evidence gentoo penguins in particular don’t just surf to avoid predators or gain momentum. 

Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse photographed gentoo penguins in the Falkland Islands repeatedly surfing, then waddling back down the beach only to surf back in again. His incredible images can be seen in the book “Penguin Life.”

To see penguins surfing closer to home, check out the action at the Tennessee Aquarium.  “Making the water dynamic with waves is great enrichment for the penguins.  It’s a more natural environment for the birds and they seem to really enjoy it,” says aquarium director of husbandry and operations Jackson Andrews. 

While Cody Maverick and Tank are thrilling theater goers with their animated surfing skills on Pen Gu Island this summer, thousands will be captivated by the real deal in Chattanooga. Some of the best surfers in the world will be hanging six at “Penguins’ Rock.”  “It’s amazing how they can shoot out of the water like little rockets!” says Graves.

Surfing penguins? Dude, that’s sweet!