Humboldt Penguin: Penguins of Patagonia

Mesker Zoo (Evansville, Indiana)

The zoo hired ECOS to help create a vision for its new entry and connected Humboldt Penguin Exhibit. (We find this to be a common challenge for zoos and other leisure learning institutions: Create excitement for a new arrival experience and “front door” exhibits in ways that complement existing exhibits.)

For the penguin exhibit, we wanted to transport visitors to a northern Patagonia island on Chile’s Pacific coast: Isla Chiloé. Placemaking elements include a 3D wall showing colorful palafitos (coastal houses on stilts) and a climbable rowboat surrounded by touchable life-like penguin sculptures. Wooden piers themed with nets and tactile sea creatures are wrapped with bright curved aluminum panels that convey key stories. ECOS identified penguin conservation projects in Chile that offer appropriate conservation action opportunities for zoo visitors in Michigan.

Interactives aimed at younger visitors and family groups:

• “How do you measure up?” with actual-size cutouts of 3 penguins featuring the largest species (Emperor) and the smallest species (Little).
• Hold your breath (and compare to what penguins can do).
• Flip book with fun facts about each bird in the flock.