I wonder what U.S. legislation is in terms of penguin pool sizes? Can a pool be as small as an average toilet? Would a kiddie pool work? This exhibit is pure junk.
@snowleopard Considering that they're birds, I wouldn't be surprised if there is no legal or regulatory requirement at all for pool size... maybe just a broad requirement that they have access to enough water to exhibit natural behaviors, if anything at all.
That being said, now that captive birds and bird enclosures are overseen by USDA we may start seeing citations for inadequate pool size or access.
I will be honest, the pool is too small. BUT the enclosure itself is still better than the current Florida Aquarium "habitat". The FL Aquarium will be building a great outdoor habitat, but this is what they will have had up to 8 penguins on display at a time in for around 5 years by time the new exhibit opens. The FL Aquarium is AZA and a world class aquarium, whereas the Austin Aquarium is not......at all.
