Events

Penguin Island Stars Featured in Ritz-Carlton Gingerbread Display
The black-footed penguins from Mote Aquarium are popping up everywhere in town — and on Thursday, Dec. 8, you can spot them (in confectionary form, that is) in The Ritz-Carlton's holiday Gingerbread House.

The 6-foot-tall gingerbread display will be unveiled to the public during a free grand opening at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, which is located at 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive. Visitors can see the display until Dec. 28.

This year's gingerbread artwork is themed "Winter Water Land" to honor the manatees, dolphins, fish, sea urchins and other colorful, playful creatures who live in the Gulf of Mexico. The black-footed penguins at Mote Aquarium will be the only gingerbread animals in the display native to South Africa.

Six real black-footed penguins are now featured in Penguin Island, a special exhibit on display through spring 2012 at Mote Aquarium. Visiting Penguin Island is free with paid Aquarium admission: $17 for adults, $16 for seniors (over 65), $12 for kids (ages 4-12). Children 3 and younger and Mote Members get in free. Mote Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 365 days per year at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway.

Other Penguin Happenings

Penguins March to Mote Education Program
Visit Penguin Island and learn how marine conservation can help our feathered friends during this special Mote Education class.

(Age 6 through adult. Kids younger than 14 must attend class with an adult. Children younger than 6 are welcome, but will not be provided with their own class materials.)

Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Date: Dec. 13, 2011
Place: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
Cost: $16 per child and adult pair ($14 for Mote Members); Each additional participant is $6.
Registration: Sign up for this program and other Behind the Science programs at Mote by visiting  www.mote.org/behindthescience.
Contact: Gina Santoianni of Mote's Education Division at 941-388-4441, ext. 514 or email gina@mote.org.

Santa Jaws and Penguin Elf
‘Tis the season to meet Gilly — Santa’s helper shark — at Mote Aquarium, along with Percy the Penguin Elf. Take pictures with Mote mascots Gilly and Percy, who will be dressed up for the holidays.
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
Dates: Dec.17
Place:  Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
Cost: Free with paid Mote Aquarium admission
More Information:  www.mote.org/santajaws or 941-388-4441.