This exhibit will open in 2022 during the Houston Zoo’s centennial celebration. This new exhibit will have a “state of the art” Humboldt penguin habitat as well as those penguins, sea lions, sharks, giant tortoises, and more. The website states that: “Humboldt penguins are a great fit for Houston, since they originate from Chile and Peru in South America where it can get as warm as 100 degrees.” This contrasts with the stereotype of penguins only being in cold places, being an interesting factoid and quelling the worries of an unsafe environment for the penguins. They also state that the penguins will have a climate-controlled environment keeping them safe from the worst of Houston heat, the environment also protects them from mosquitoes that could transmit avian malaria to the penguins. The penguin exhibit was in memory of Isabel James Davis and her grandfather: James Anderson Elkins ||| The article also states that “The Humboldt penguins will move to Houston will be part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP program oversees the population of select species within AZA member organizations and to enhance conservation of this species in the wild.” This shows the Houston Zoo’s dedication to protecting the planets wildlife. We are looking forward to future news about the zoo and its exhibits!

Source(s): Houston Zoo Website