We’ve been waiting and watching for a couple years. My children have pressed their noses against the fence to watch the construction workers and asked a million questions, usually the same million on each visit. And now it’s here.
The Penguin Shores exhibit at the Cameron Park Zoo is open and ready to explore!
I’ve loved seeing all the final pieces come together this year. And the zoo has been giving sneak peeks and including the community bit-by-bit leading to the grand opening day.
When you first walk in, the first thing you notice is all the incredible colors. The artwork on the gift shop, restrooms and common area were beautifully painted by Creative Waco’s ArtPrenticeship program this summer.
After walking under the shade canopies to the main attraction, an enormous wall of glass lets people watch the penguins huddle, hop and swim. The water comes part way up the glass so that children (and let’s be honest and say adults too) can watch the penguins dive and swim. When they aren’t in the water, the penguins can be found huddling and waddling around the rocky exhibit that was designed to imitate the area of South Africa that is home to this endangered species. There is also an indoor space for the penguins that is easily viewed just around the corner from the main exhibit.
This is the largest colony of South African penguins in Texas. This species has black stripes and spots on their chest and black feet. The 11 pairs of “Waco Waddlers” are named:
- Shirley & Tom
- Rita & Mauri
- Daisy & Sinclair
- Thumper & Sprocket
- Possum & Finley
- Dottie & Little Jim
- Newton & Cosmo
- Flapjack & Frankie
- Rosie & Rupert
- Sushi & Theodore
- Winnie & Maple
On the other side of Penguin Shores prowls Smidgen, a black-footed cat. This is the smallest wild cat in Africa with adults only growing to be only 3-5 pounds. As with the penguins, there is a lovely new outdoor exhibit as well as an enclosed exhibit with a viewing window.
My children have cheered and raced to Penguin Shores ever since it opened. I know it’ll hold a special place in their heart since they watched the exhibit come alive. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
