New Penguin Habitat at Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo’s New African Penguin Habitat—Pinnacol African Penguin Point—Set to Open Sept. 30

Although endangered in their native range on the southwestern coast of Africa due to pollution, overfishing and other threats, African penguins have always had a safe place to call home at Denver Zoo. And now, beginning Sept. 30, guests and members will be delighted to see our 18 African penguins in their new habitat, Pinnacol African Penguin Point, which was made possible by our partner, Pinnacol Assurance, and the generosity of many donors.

Located just inside the main entrance of the Zoo, Pinnacol African Penguin Point provides features that enhance the birds’ wellbeing and guest experience. It’s more than three times larger than their former home in the now-closed Bird World, and offers design elements that encourage the birds to display their natural charismatic behaviors and improve their wellbeing. This includes a 10,000-gallon pool for swimming, multiple burrows and nest boxes, and a variety of hardscape and natural substrates that mimic their Cape of Good Hope origins. Guests, meanwhile, benefit from an entirely new and improved experience thanks to underwater viewing areas and ample space to take in soon-to-come daily keeper talks and feedings.

Many of our African penguins were born at Denver Zoo and cared for by expert bird keepers with more than 65 years of cumulative experience, including many who have spent time rescuing and rehabilitating African penguins in the wild. Members of the Zoo’s animal care team first traveled to South African more than 20 years ago to help save thousands of oil-covered birds after an oil spill threatened their colony. We have continued our work with the threatened species as part of SANCCOB, saving and rehabilitating penguin chicks, over the past 15 years.

Guests will have the opportunity to see the penguins in their new home starting on Sept. 30 during the Zoo’s regular visiting hours, and are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time due to high demand. Click HERE for member reservations and to purchase tickets, and HERE for more information about visiting Denver Zoo!