A Place for Penguins

Abstract

The Detroit Zoo’s Polk Penguin Conservation Center has created a habitat for Antarctic and subantarctic penguins designed to match their natural environment to the fullest extent possible. In addition to a 326,000 gal pool with depths that reach 25 ft and special channels for extensive swimming, the habitat includes sculpted rock and ice features below and above the water. Temperatures and water quality are carefully controlled, and there is even a system to make it snow indoors. For zoo visitors, the center provides underwater viewing tunnels and galleries, as well as a so-called 4-D system designed to create a truly immersive experience.