By Sarah Klein
African black-footed penguins will arrive at Assiniboine Park Zoo this spring. (WIKIPEDIA)
A temporary exhibit will house penguins this spring and summer for the first time in the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s history.
The HUB Horizon Insurance Penguin Cove will open at the zoo in early May and offer visitors a unique, up close experience with a group of African black-footed penguins. Visitors will learn about the plight of penguins in the wild and the conservation efforts currently taking place to preserve their future existence.
“This is something completely new for Winnipeg and the Assiniboine Park Zoo so we’re very excited about it,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, director of zoological operations. “This is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience and another great feature our visitors can enjoy this spring and summer.”
The exhibit will be located in a self-contained penguin ecosystem attached to a retrofitted version of the zoo’s old gift shop near the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC).
African penguins measure approximately 40 cm tall and are typically found on the southwest coast of Africa.
