The exhibit is 17,000 sq. ft, which is huge for penguins. The sheer cost of the construction ($6.5 million), the reputation of the zoo, the fact that it could be yet another award-winning enclosure all add up to the fact that I'm extremely excited to see it in person. It opens on May 2nd, and as long as the weather is nice I'll be there on May 3rd for photos! The zoo filled the penguin pool a month ago, and announced that they will never again refill the water. Apparently this new exhibit is environmentally friendly and allows for rainwater to be recycled throughout the tank. There are 10 male and 10 female Humboldt penguins that will be on show for the public in just over a week.
Guano is a big part of the storyline for this exhibit--and a major factor accounting for the endangerment of Humbolt penguins. And white paint is cheap....
