Detroit, not a typical tourist destination. Long known as the most decaying city in North America (and before that Motor City where car was king) it doesn't seem a tourist hub.
Okay, except for the stunning pictures of sad decay.
Okay, and the stunning murals of Diego Rivera.
But now, I just discovered the Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo. It is the largest penguin facility in the world (you know, except in nature). It seems very much like the walk through exhibits in New York's Central Park Zoo and Penguin Encounter at Sea World. The Penguin Encounter has more birds, but Detroit's tank is much bigger and accessible.
Anyway, it has reopened - again, I didn't even know it was there! - and it is a reason to stop by, if not travel to Detroit. From their press release
PRESS ROOM
Polk Penguin Conservation Center Reopens at Detroit Zoo
February 14, 2022
ROYAL OAK, Mich.,
The largest penguin facility in the world has reopened to the public. Closed since September 2019 for waterproofing repairs, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center (PPCC) has also received numerous enhancements and welcomed a new species.
The PPCC is now home to more than 75 king, rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
“The chinstraps settled right in and became avid swimmers. Once the lights come on for the day, TJ, Haiku, Kringle and Turtle immediately dive into the pool,” said Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Curator of Birds Bonnie Van Dam. “They also had no problem integrating with the other species. Penguins thrive within larger colonies, and they are just exceptional at mingling.”
Upgrades to the PPCC include a section of glass flooring that allows guests to see birds swimming below their feet, repainted rock surfaces, the creation of more nesting areas, a second snow machine within the habitat, upgrades to the water and air filtration systems, enhanced lighting and exhibits that focus on changing climate and the resulting loss of sea ice.
(Images)
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