African Penguin Pool Party

All-New Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks at San Diego Zoo Welcomes First Residents: Endangered African Penguins Move into New Habitat

 

Itâs a monumental week for African penguins at the San Diego Zoo. Animal care staff began the birdsâ gradual introduction to their new Cape Fynbos habitat in the soon-to-open Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks. After initial introductions, the curious colony explored the cobble beach, plodded into the pool and swam throughout the deep end, surveying their expansive underwater world.

 

In keeping with San Diego Zoo Globalâs dedication to animal care, the penguins were moved in two phases. A group of five animal ambassador birds, which were previously housed at the Childrenâs Zoo, were given early access to explore their new habitat and serve as mentors to the new colony members. A day later, 15 additional penguinsâranging from juveniles to adults, from several Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilitiesâjoined the mentor group. This gradual process allowed time for the animals to comfortably settle into their new area before it opens to the public on July 1, 2017.

 

The colossal new Cape Fynbos penguin habitat in Africa Rocks features a cobblestone beach surface, penguin nesting areas and rockwork that mimics the granite boulders found at Boulders Beach in South Africa. The 70-foot-long and 10-foot-wide habitat will also include a 200,000-gallon pool for the penguins that stretches 170 feet, with depths up to 13 feet. It is the largest penguin habitat in the Zooâs history.

 

Photo taken on June 21, 2017 by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.

 

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