This $30 million exhibit is being advertised by Detroit Zoo as the largest penguin complex on the planet and judging by this photo perhaps that claim is valid. What were your thoughts of the new exhibit? Also, has work begun on turning the old Penguinarium into a Bat Conservation Center?
The industrial look of the ceiling is jarring to my eye, but I very much like everything else about the complex. And the penguins certainly appear much happier and far more alert and lively than they did in their old building. Snow falls from the ceiling where the two penguins in the middle of the picture are, and off to the left of this photo is an area where "rain" falls and "wind" blows. The bright area on the right side of the photo is a floor-to-ceiling window (I think there's a waterfall on the outside of building right over the window; I'll have to remember to look for that next summer), and I was told there is a shade that can be lowered over the large viewing window on the far side of the photo when the sun beats in through the east-facing entry doors. The lower level with the tunnels and viewing window is my favorite part of the building. I'll try to get more detailed pictures the next time I visit.
I haven't noticed anything obvious going on at the old penguinarium, but of course, that doesn't mean anything. I'll see what I can see next time I'm there.
