Denver Zoo reveals new penguin habitat

On September 30, 2021, 18 African penguins at the Denver Zoo were moved to their new habitat known as the Pinnacol African Penguin Point—an exhibit powered by the zoo’s partnership with Pinnacol Assurance and the generosity of several donors.

According to an organizational release, the new habitat is inspired by Boulders Beach in South Africa, where conversationalists first brought 2 breeding pairs of the almost-extinct birds back in 1982, offering a secure and natural environment. Though the penguin colony has since grown to an estimated 3,000, the birds are still on the edge of extinction.¹

"As a nonprofit zoo-based conservation organization, Denver Zoo relies on corporate sponsors like Pinnacol to help us create experiences that connect our community to the natural world and inspire them to save wildlife for future generations," says Jake Kubié, director of communications for the Denver Zoo, in the release.¹

Located outside the main entrance of the zoo, Pinnacol African Penguin Point employs features that elevate the birds’ overall well-being and visitor experience. The new habitat is also 3 times the size of the penguins’ former habitat and extends design components to encourage the birds to showcase their natural behaviors.²

A few key features of the new exhibit include a 10,00-gallon swimming pool, various burrows and nest boxes, a variety of hardscapes and natural substrates that imitate the birds’ Cape of Good Hope origins. Additionally, it displays nearly 85 linear feet of underwater view areas for guests.

Pinnacol will be spotlighted during Denver Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights event happening this winter from November 22, 2021, through January 2, 2022. The Zoo has been a policyholder with Pinnacol Assurance for over 20 years.

References

1. Pinnacol Assurance Partners with Denver Zoo on New Penguin Exhibit. News release. PINNACOL ASSURANCE. October 27, 2021. Accessed October 29, 2021.
2. New penguin habitat at Denver Zoo. Denverzoo.org. Accessed October 29, 2021. https://denverzoo.org/zootales/new-penguin-exhibit/