POLAR Adventure, Ocean Park’s soon-to-open polar themed area set to open this summer will be home to the best polar animal ambassadors to live and reproduce, while offering guests an eco-friendly theme park experience.
Spread across 150,000 sq ft, Polar Adventure is Asia’s first themed area integrating immersive presentations of Arctic and Antarctic animals and a family coaster ride. The park is the final new attraction to open under Ocean Park’s HK$5.55 billion ($0.7 billion) Master Redevelopment Plan (MRP), is a world-class conservation and edutainment platform featuring penguins, walruses, spotted seals and more.
The new addition will now allow guests to discover the hidden diversity of the North and South Poles in just one day without having to criss-cross both ends of the world. Guests can encounter at South Pole Spectacular three different species of penguins and at North Pole Encounter Pacific walruses, spotted seals, northern sea lions, snowy owls and arctic foxes as well as take guests deep into the heart of this icy eco-system, giving them a first-hand look at how climate change is threatening its survival.
The 23,000 sq ft South Pole Spectacular features three species of penguins presented in an open exhibit with a 270-degree viewing chamber, balconies, walkways, and glass-panelled floors that offer an underwater view of swimming penguins. Guests also have the opportunity to dine besides these penguins at Tuxedos Restaurant which offers diners a panoramic view of the penguin pool area.
Then head to the two-storey, 52,000 sq ft North Pole Encounter that features an expansive main exhibit area with separate pools for Pacific walruses, spotted seals and northern sea lions. Guests will also have an opportunity to observe these marine mammals’ underwater, which is presented as the interior of a giant glacier, with icy walls and tunnels connecting panoramic displays.
Inside both pavilions, guests will also find numerous interactive educational displays, addressing topics like the migration and feeding habits of polar animals; the impact of global climate change on humans through the melting of polar ice; the concept of carbon footprint and how to reduce it in everyday life, as well as the culture of native arctic people.
Sprawled out in front of the two connected pavilions is the Arctic Blast, Ocean Park’s latest family coaster ride featuring cars shaped like snow sleds that travel at up to 35 km per hour.