Habitat 65 - Spring 2022

2 Six years ago, Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) staff announced the opening of what would become one of its most popular features — the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. The announcement was made on the front cover of the spring 2016 issue of Habitat , proudly spelled out in bright orange letters. Over the next few years, the 2-acre facility became a shining star of the Zoo and the community alike, drawing millions of visitors. In 2019, the DZS sadly had to close the Center’s doors due to waterproofing issues. While the penguins remained well cared for in the former penguinarium, they weren’t visible to our guests. Now, after two and a half long years, we are excited to announce that the penguins are ready to dazzle once again. This Valentine’s Day, DZS staff celebrated by reopening the PPCC to the public. The Center, DR. HAYLEY W. MURPHY which remains the largest penguin facility in the world, debuted new upgrades, while staff welcomed back guests with open arms. In this issue of Habitat , you will read all about our state-of-art-facility and the road to reopening it. More importantly, you will read about the birds themselves — from the lively new chinstraps to the stately kings. As always, animals come first at the DZS, and we couldn’t be more excited to share their story with you. We hope you will love learning about these flippered friends — along with everything else this issue has to offer. From introducing a new director of conservation to celebrating native pollinators at the Belle Isle Nature Center, these pages of Habitat will give an insight into all the wonderful things happening at the DZS. Once you’ve finished reading, we hope to see you at the Zoo. Even though the weather is getting warmer, we — and the penguins — are always here to help you cool off. Hayley W. Murphy, DVM Executive Director/CEO