Roger Williams Park Zoo to Unveil ‘Penguin Point’ Exhibit

News Summary

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is set to open its new exhibit, ‘Penguin Point,’ featuring Humboldt penguins this Memorial Day weekend. This marks the zoo’s first hosting of penguins since 2013. The exhibit, mimicking the penguins’ native habitat from Peru, will house six pairs of these vulnerable birds, emphasizing the zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts. Visitors will learn about the penguins while enjoying a unique experience designed to promote their natural behavior and habitat needs.

Providence – The Roger Williams Park Zoo is poised to unveil its newest attraction, an exhibit named “Penguin Point,” featuring a dozen Humboldt penguins this Memorial Day weekend. This eagerly anticipated opening represents the zoo’s first hosting of penguins since 2013 and promises to be an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The new exhibit will include six pairs of Humboldt penguins, which are being transported from Peru, their native habitat. The unique environment of “Penguin Point” has been designed to mimic the warm, rocky coastal regions of Chile and Peru, aligning with the natural behaviors and habitat preferences of these birds.

Each of the Humboldt penguins stands approximately 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs around 9 pounds. This species is well-suited for warmer climates, in stark contrast to the icy environments typically associated with many other penguin species. The penguins thrive in rocky environments close to nutrient-rich waters—a vital factor in their survival.

As part of their natural behavior, Humboldt penguins diligently preen their waterproof feathers with oil they produce themselves, ensuring their plumage remains consistently insulated during their aquatic foraging excursions. Their diet primarily consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans, making adaptations to diet and habitat crucial for their long-term survival.

Humboldt penguins have been listed as a “vulnerable” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 1988. Current estimates suggest there are approximately 12,000 breeding pairs remaining worldwide, a significant decline that raises concerns about their future. The primary threats to their existence include overfishing, which affects the availability of their main food sources, accidental capture in fishing gear, and climate change that disrupts their ecosystem. Additionally, guano harvesting, which is utilized for fertilizer, is compromising essential nesting sites for these penguins.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is fully committed to the long-term viability of Humboldt penguins through active participation in the Species Survival Plan. This initiative is crucial for promoting a healthy and genetically diverse population, adding meaningful conservation efforts to the zoo’s mission.

The development of the “Penguin Point” exhibit was facilitated in part by $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds sourced from the capital city. While the exhibit’s opening was originally anticipated for summer 2024, unforeseen circumstances related to the habitat led to a postponement of the launch until this upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Previously, the space designated for the Humboldt penguins was occupied by a harbor seal named Bubba, who was transferred in September 2022. After the seal’s departure, the pool has been expertly repurposed to accommodate the new residents.

With the addition of the Humboldt penguins, the Roger Williams Park Zoo will join a select group of only 24 facilities across North America equipped to care for this charming species. The zoo provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the penguins, their environment, and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving their population.

Those interested in visiting the “Penguin Point” exhibit and learning more about the Humboldt penguins can find additional information on the zoo’s official website.

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Additional Resources

• RIMonthly: Humboldt Penguins at Zoo
• Providence Journal: New Penguin Exhibit
• Patch: Penguins Arriving at Providence Zoo
• WPRI: Humboldt Penguins Arrival
• Boston Globe: Penguins Return to Zoo
• Wikipedia: Humboldt Penguin
• Google Search: Humboldt Penguins conservation
• Google Scholar: Humboldt Penguins
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Humboldt Penguin
• Google News: Roger Williams Park Zoo Penguins