This week, we saw the two new additions at the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham, friends Miley and Boo. These two fostered seals have just taken up residency in a specially engineered environment. We can watch them up close as they swim and play in their new home and discover more about how they take care of these amazing creatures from their Sea Life experts.
The seals’ enclosure is spread across the building and you can catch a small view on the first floor and up at the top floor where you can watch them in action. Did you know that these beautiful creatures face threats in the wild, from climate change to plastic pollution? Why not find out more and learn how you can to help!
Both of my children were thrilled to check out the new seal residents up close and they certainly drew a huge crowd of fans!
Also, not forgetting that there are plenty more sea creatures to see like the Penguins who made their home at the centre four years ago! The Antarctic-themed enclosure is home to a colony of 12 Gentoo penguins that have flown over 11,000 miles from Auckland, New Zealand to make the Midlands attraction their brand new home.
The fantastically themed Penguin Ice Adventure offers a real insight into the lives and quirky habits of these cheeky birds; whether it’s hearing the unmistakable trumpeting call as the colony communicates to one another, watching them dive in the icy water up to 450 times a day or seeing them playfully move rocks around their home.
Multiple viewing platforms, an indoor temperature of a cool eight degrees Celsius and an interactive ice wall ensure visitors have a truly authentic Antarctic experience. There are also designated areas within the attraction for guests wanting to do their best imitations of the waddling birds.
Launched last year, the Octopus Hideout features Beverley the giant Pacific octopus named after local singing sensation, Beverley Knight! She is a true master of disguise who can blend into her surroundings with her camouflage skills and squeeze into the tiniest gaps! This time around, we managed to go one better than last time and we spotted her! Did you know that octopi have three hearts and blue blood? There are a lot of interesting facts that we learnt by visiting on this occasion.
There are over 2,000 creatures including sharks, penguins and their giant green sea turtle Mo, who lives in the 360-degree ocean tunnel! It’s a great place to learn and get up close with them!
For further information or to pre-book tickets online before your visit, please go to www.SEALIFE.co.uk/birmingham. Reduced prices are available for tickets booked in advance.
There are no restaurant/cafe facilities at the Sea Life Centre which means that you have to find somewhere to eat elsewhere. Luckily, it is well situated in Brindley Place and close to many family-friendly places like Handmade Burger Co and Pizza Express. If you want to re-enter the Sea Life Centre again, they will stamp your hand to allow you back in, until closing time.
Disclosure: We were invited to visit the Sea Life Centre for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.