Govind Tekale
Humboldt penguins have found a new home in Providence, Rhode Island. Roger Williams Park Zoo officially opened its “Penguin Point” exhibit on May 23, 2025, welcoming 12 Humboldt penguins after a decade without the popular birds.
Five penguins are currently on display, with seven more soon to join them. The “quirky, sun-loving” birds came from zoos across the country, though their species is native to the coastal regions of Peru.
“We create engaging experiences that empower guests,” the zoo stated when announcing the opening. The habitat allows visitors to observe the penguins both on land and through underwater viewing areas.
The $1.5 million project, funded by COVID-19 relief money from the city of Providence, took three years to complete. Initially planned to open last summer, the exhibit faced delays due to “unforeseen circumstances” with the habitat construction.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined other city leaders for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the exhibit’s opening. The zoo celebrated with a special event called “Penguin Palooza,” which featured animal chats, keeper talks, and penguin-themed activities for families.
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Humboldt penguins differ from the Antarctic species many people picture when thinking of penguins. These “sun-loving” birds naturally inhabit the rocky coastal regions of Chile and Peru near the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current.
The exhibit represents more than just a new attraction. Humboldt penguins face serious challenges in the wild, listed as “vulnerable” since 1988 with a declining population. Current estimates suggest only about 12,000 breeding pairs remain worldwide.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of just 24 facilities in North America caring for this species as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. This program aims to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species through carefully managed breeding and conservation efforts.
For families planning to visit, zoo officials recommend checking out the underwater viewing area, where visitors can watch the penguins dive and swim in their element.
The zoo expects the new exhibit to boost visitor numbers, especially during the summer months, building on the excitement that has already generated considerable local interest.
