Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama, is launching a new initiative called the 38°C MIRACLE Project, focusing on Emperor Penguins — a species newly listed as endangered in April 2026. As the first step of this project, a public naming campaign for all 19 Emperor Penguins at the park opens on June 1, 2026 (Monday).
Why Now? The Story Behind the Naming Campaign
In temperatures as low as -60°C, Emperor Penguins form tight clusters called "huddles" to survive. Inside those huddles, the temperature reaches around 38°C — a warmth maintained by each individual taking turns on the outside. That collective strategy has kept their "38°C lives" alive across generations.
However, more than half of the world's penguin species are currently facing extinction due to environmental changes. Adventure World is home to all 8 species of penguins, with 460 birds in total, making it one of Japan's foremost penguin breeding facilities and a frontline for species conservation.
Until now, keepers have identified each bird by individual number, carefully monitoring daily health and personality through those numbers. Each number represents a keeper's commitment to that individual life. The new project layers guest-given names onto those numbers — helping more people connect with the penguins as individuals with distinct personalities and family histories, and building awareness for the future of their ocean habitat.
Everyone who submits a name becomes a "Pen-Namer" — a fellow member in the huddle of life.
Naming Campaign Details
- Application Period: June 1 (Mon) – July 31 (Fri), 2026
- Name Announcement: Planned for mid-August 2026
- How to Apply:
- Online: Via Terravie at https://form.run/@aws-pennamer (form opens June 1)
- In-Park: Scan QR codes placed throughout the park. Paper submission forms for young children are also available.
- Digital Title: All applicants receive a "Pen-Namer" digital title. Presenting it during a park visit earns a special benefit. Details on distribution period and novelty contents will be announced on the official website.
Messages from the Animal Edutainers
The park's "Animal Edutainers" — keepers with a deep passion for penguin research — share their thoughts on the naming campaign.
Edutainer: Mabo — Penguin Researcher Captivated by the Emperor's Beauty
Object of Devotion: Emperor Penguins
Mabo is captivated by the "divine, rounded form at peak body weight before breeding season" and the "overwhelming sheen of their feathers."
Proof of Devotion: Finding happiness in silently observing penguin behavior in the dark before the park opens, speculating endlessly about the reasons behind their strange actions.
Specialty: Digging into mysteries without limit, enjoying others' niche perspectives and tiny differences.
Message:
When penguin No. 44 came to be called "Yoyo-chan" by fans, I felt firsthand how strong the interest people directed toward that bird became. Names hold a special power to make lives shine. Please read through the published profiles carefully, capture each penguin's unique charm and character, and give them names that will be loved around the world for a long time to come. I'm looking forward to your thoughtful choices!
Edutainer: Nao-san — 16 Years of Watching Penguins Up Close
Object of Devotion: King Penguins
Nao-san is drawn to each penguin's individuality and the way their personalities resemble people.
Proof of Devotion: A daily ritual of smelling the penguin scent on their own skin, settling into a state of bliss — describing the birds' "fragrant unusual odor" as the finest aroma imaginable.
Specialty: Sparking intellectual curiosity — by telling the stories hidden in each penguin's small gestures, igniting guests' desire to know more.
Message:
After watching penguins for 16 years, what strikes me most is how surprisingly "human" these 19 Emperor Penguins are. There are pushy ones, oblivious ones, ones so unflappable they make me laugh. They're all bundles of endearing quirks. We've always put love into calling them by their numbers — and because of that, I want everyone submitting names to go beyond just "cute" and really dig into who each penguin is. Give them names that reflect their real lives and behavior!
