Penguins

The Topeka Zoo is about to get a whole lot cooler as it welcomes a new temporary exhibit for 2012 called Penguin Plunge.  The exhibit, expected to open May 10, 2012, will feature African Penguins in a replica of their South African beach habitat.

Penguin Plunge will be open to the public from May 10 through September 2012 and will take zoo visitors on an adventure to the beaches of Cape Town South Africa where they will encounter an exhibit that simulates Boulders Beach, a habitat of which one of the alrgest colonies of African Penguins reside.  Visitors will be able to see the flightless birds preen, feed, and swim in their naturalistic surroundings.  A viewing window will allow close-up views as the penguins “fly” underwater.

In addition to the live penguin viewing area, the exhibit will feature many educational stations designed for guests to explore the biology, culture, and conservation issues facing these penguins.  An interactive play area will also be part of the exhibit.  Many special events in 2012 will also be themed around the penguins.

Unlike the arctic species of penguin, African Penguins are found on the southernmost coast of Africa and live in colonies on rocky shores and beaches.  The populations of African Penguins are declining at an alarming rate and have recently been designated as an endangered species.  By bringing the exhibit to Topeka, the Zoo hopes to raise awareness of this decline in penguin population and continue their committment to animal conservation.

“This is going to be a wonderful addition to the Zoo as well as draw a number of guests to the Topeka community” states Kate Larison, Executive Director of Friends of the Topeka Zoo.  “Friends of the Topeka Zoo will be working very hard to generate funds for this exhibit and we need the support of everyone in the community….business leaders, organizations, schools, and families to make this exhibit successful.”

Whether it is sponsoring the Penguin Plunge, participating in one of the many events that will revolve around the penguins, or fundraising in the schools, Larison states there are numerous opportunities to contribute.  “This is the COMMUNITIES Zoo and now is the time for everyone to embrace the zoo and help support this wonderful cause.”

More information on how you can help support the Penguin Plunge is below.  For further information, you can reach Kate Larison, Executive Director of Friends of the Topeka Zoo at 368-9162 or email at katel@fotz.org.

For Sponsorship Information, click here

To make a donation to the Penguin Plunge click here

For information on the Pennies For Penguins, click here