GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The NEW Zoological Society and the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park are hosting Party for the Penguins this Friday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Proceeds from this event will support conservation, with funds raised supporting African penguins through SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction.
African penguins are an endangered species whose population has declined by 90% since the turn of the 20th century. The current wild population is estimated at only about 52,000 birds.
The penguins are vulnerable to pollution of their ocean habitat, and to human interference related to guano and egg collection, overfishing, and loss of their nesting sites to human developments.
Aside from Party for the Penguins, Zoo Director Carmen Murach says they help the penguins by making artificial habitats.
“Loss of their regular nesting habitat means they can’t regulate temperatures as well for their eggs,” said Murach. “We were able to come up with the nest box, and those are sent to wild colonies.”
During Party for the Penguins, guests can enjoy a variety of activities; such as kids’ games and crafts, penguin encounters, a Penguin Discovery Station, carousel rides, and more.
Additionally, an African Penguin Zookeeper Chat will take place at 10 a.m. and again at 1:45 p.m. alongside the penguin habitat, and a public penguin feeding will take place at 12:30 p.m. by the penguin bridge.
This event is free with regular zoo admission. Guests will be able to purchase penguin gifts to support the effort, and funds from admission and the Mayan Restaurant will help, too.
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