New African Penguin Exhibit Opening At Denver Zoo This Week

DENVER, CO — Beginning this week, the Denver Zoo's 18 African penguins will have a new home – the zoo's Pinnacol African Penguin Point will open on Sept. 30.

The exhibit will be three times larger than the penguins' former home at the zoo's now-closed Bird World, Denver Zoo officials said in a news release. It was funded by Pinnacol Assurance and other donors, and "provides features that enhance the birds' wellbeing and guest experience," the news release said.

It will include a 10,000-gallon pool for swimming, multiple burrows and nest boxes, and "a variety of hardscape and natural substrates that mimic their Cape of Good Hope origins," officials said.

"Although endangered in their native range on the southwestern coast of Africa due to pollution, overfishing and other threats, African penguins have always had a safe place to call home at Denver Zoo," officials said in the news release.

Many of the penguins were born at the Denver Zoo and cared for by bird keepers who have a combined total of over 65 years of experience. Several of the bird keepers have spent time rescuing and rehabilitating African penguins in the wild, the news release said.

Zoo guests will "benefit from an entirely new and improved experience" that includes underwater viewing areas and space to watch daily keeper talks and feedings – which will begin soon, officials said.

Guests can see the penguins in their new home during the zoo's regular hours and are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time due to high demand. Tickets can be purchased here.

The zoo opens for members only at 8:30 a.m., and public admission begins at 10 a.m.