Detroit Zoo Reopens Famous Penguin House to Public

The penguins are back at the Detroit Zoo! Not just back, but back in their newly refurbished home.

The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest penguin facility in the world, is opened once again to the public after being closed since 2019. The popular attraction closed in the fall of 2019 for planned upgrades and waterproofing needs started going into place. The habitat is now shared by more than 75 animals consisting of half a dozen species that seem to be settling in nicely.

“The chinstraps settled right in and became avid swimmers. Once the lights come on for the day, TJ, Haiku, Kringle and Turtle immediately dive into the pool,” said Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Curator of Birds Bonnie Van Dam in a press release. “They also had no problem integrating with the other species. Penguins thrive within larger colonies, and they are just exceptional at mingling.”

The building, which originally opened in April 2016, underwent a facelift that included a section of glass flooring that allows guests to see birds swimming below their feet, repainted rock surfaces, the creation of more nesting areas, and a second snow machine within the habitat, The PPCC also underwent upgrades to the water and air filtration systems, enhanced lighting and exhibits that focus on changing climate and the resulting loss of sea ice.

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The Detroit Zoo is fortunate to be able to house the PPCC which is the largest penguin facility in the world. It features a 326,000-gallon, 25-foot deep aquatic area with an underwater gallery, an acrylic window, and two acrylic tunnels. The uniqueness of the facility makes it not only special for the inhabitants, but the visitors to the zoo who are thrilled to see it open once again.

“We know just how much DZS members and guests have missed seeing this world-renowned habitat", said Dr. Murphy.

For zoo hours and information on tickets prices, click here.

Detroit Zoo Reopens Polk Penguin Conservation Center: Look

The Penguins are back home at the Detroit Zoo. The largest penguin facility in the world has reopened to the public. Closed since September 2019, the facility underwent renovations and upgrades that included a section of glass flooring that allows guests to see birds swimming below their feet, repainted rock surfaces, the creation of more nesting areas, a second snow machine within the habitat, upgrades to the water and air filtration systems, enhanced lighting and exhibits that focus on changing climate and the resulting loss of sea ice.

Now, everyone is getting acclimated to their new home and loving every minute, and that includes the visitors to the zoo!

Take a look.