The Cincinnati Zoo: A Paradise for Penguins
Growing up in southern Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens was one of my favorite places to visit. Not just a beautiful, sprawling campus filled with fascinating animals, the Cincinnati Zoo is also known for conservation and education, including a partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). So it was only natural that, during a recent trip home, I would pay the zoo a visit.
It was a scorching hot summer morning when my family and I arrived at the zoo. There was a sense of urgency: I wanted to make it to African Penguin Point in time for the Penguin Talk. The zoo has changed a bit since my last visit-- in 2020, the African Penguins were moved from their home in the Children's Zoo to a beautiful new exhibit space. A spacious pool with glass sides lets guests watch the penguins glide underwater, which they did with gusto. On such a sweltering day, I envied them.
The penguins' land accomodations are also impressive, with stone islands to lounge on and log bridges to hop over. A rocky cliff face forms the exterior wall, with caves built in for nesting. The zoo has certainly embraced a natural habitat.
Another species of penguins who once made the Children's Zoo their home has also received new digs. On the opposite side of the zoo, in the new (to me) Roo Valley, you'll find North America's largest breeding colony of Little Blue penguins. Like their cousins, the African penguins, the Little Blue penguin habitat sports a large swimming pool with underwater viewing and natural stone features. This exhibit also includes a bridge above the water, so that you can see the penguins swimming from above.
Despite the stifling temperatures, our trip to the Cincinnati Zoo was definitely worthwhile. It's clear that the staff put a lot of thought and effort into creating an enriching environment for their penguins. With many penguin species (including the African penguin) in rapid decline, it's important to foster a connection between these animals and the public.