Ever wonder what it feels like to be surrounded by penguins? Here at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, you don’t have to just wonder. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is not just any exhibit. It’s the largest penguin conservation center on Earth.
Inspired by Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center evokes the harsh ice world. This facility is home to up to 120 penguins. These penguins represent four different species. You’ll find Gentoo, Macaroni, Rockhopper, and King penguins here.
The exterior resembles a tabular iceberg. It imitates the masses of ice that form and break in Antarctic waters. A waterfall completes the scene. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is a visual spectacle.
Upon entry, prepare for a sensory journey. You’ll descend a series of ramps. Arctic blasts and sea mist surround you. Waves crash. Icebergs break. It’s a 4-D experience.
One of the most dramatic features is a chilled aquatic area. It holds 326,000 gallons of water. This area is 25 feet deep. Visitors can watch penguins explore their habitat. You can witness them deep-diving. This is something impossible to see in the wild. Two acrylic underwater tunnels provide unique views. Guests can see above and below as the birds dive.
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center was designed with sustainability in mind. It meets net-zero water goals. The building re-circulates and treats water from various sources. These include the habitat and animal-management pools. Wash-down systems also contribute. Even the exterior splash-play area is included.
The exterior building envelope is super-insulated. This design mirrors the penguins’ natural thermal system. Think of their feather coats. State-of-the-art heating and cooling systems minimize energy consumption. These systems meet the internal refrigeration needs despite external temperatures.
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center serves three client groups. These are the exhibit’s visitors, the zoo staff, and the penguins themselves. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center sits on a 2-acre site near the zoo entrance. It is the largest project in Detroit Zoo history.
The architecture reflects the penguin’s habitat. The exterior replicates the jutting and jagged edges of Antarctic terrain. Sherwin-Williams created a custom white color for the metal paneling. This ensures the perfect shade to reflect the Antarctic vision.
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center received the 2017 Exhibit Award. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums gave this honor. It recognizes excellence in exhibit design. The underwater gallery has a vast acrylic window. Two acrylic tunnels provide breathtaking views of the birds. Get nose to beak with these charismatic birds.
Projection mapping shows iceberg calving. This depicts nature’s dramatic spectacles. Icebergs split. Massive cascades of ice crash into the sea. It opened again on February 14, 2022. All guests need to purchase tickets in advance. Come and experience the wonder of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. See for yourself why it’s an award-winning destination.