Detroit Zoo officials said the park’s Polk Penguin Conservation Center has reopened to the public.
The facility had been closed since September 2019 for waterproofing repairs.
Officials said the center was given numerous enhancements during the closure and also welcomed a new species. More than 75 king, rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguins now call it home.
“The chinstraps settled right in and became avid swimmers,” Bonnie Van Dam, the Detroit Zoological Society’s curator of birds, said in a statement. “Once the lights come on for the day, TJ, Haiku, Kringle and Turtle immediately dive into the pool. They also had no problem integrating with the other species. Penguins thrive within larger colonies, and they are just exceptional at mingling.”
Officials said upgrades to the center include a section of glass flooring that enables guests to see birds swimming below their feet, repainted rock surfaces and more nesting areas.
Since the building closed for repairs, five chicks joined the flock, they said.
Located on 2 acres near the zoo’s main entrance, the center is included with general admission. Timed entry passes are required. At least 2,000 passes per day are available on a first-come, first-served basis at admissions.
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez
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