Who doesn’t love the penguins at the Denver Zoo? They’re cute, wear feather tuxedos and, thanks to their charisma, always provide entertainment for guests.
By spring 2020, they’ll have a new home within the zoo.
Construction on a new African penguin habitat begins in November in the Benson Predator Ridge by the front entrance, the Zoo announced in a Friday news release.
“The penguins have a legacy at Denver Zoo. Everyone loves them, and we listened to the community and are giving them a new home,” Denver Zoo spokesman Jake Kubié said.
The Zoo is adding nest boxes, burrows, a 15,000 gallon swimming pool and a landscape that will mimic their natural habitat. The area will also allow guests to watch the penguins glide underwater and will provide more space to participate in daily zookeeper talks.
The new home will take up more than 2,700 square feet, which is about three times larger than their current home in the out-of-date Bird World building, the news release said.
“Bird World is a 45 year-old building in dire need of renovations. It’s time we did this,” Kubié said.
The Penguin Encounter exhibit where guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at caring for the birds will continue through Dec. 31.