Humboldt Penguins Return to Providence Zoo After 10 Years

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Penguins have waddled back to Roger Williams Park Zoo after a decade-long absence! The new "Penguin Point" exhibit opened May 23, 2025, bringing 12 Humboldt penguins to Rhode Island.

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Five of these tuxedo-wearing swimmers are currently on display, with seven more waiting in the wings to join their feathered friends in the coming weeks.

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Did you know these aren't your typical icy-dwelling penguins? Humboldt penguins are actually "sun-loving" birds that naturally thrive in the rocky coastal regions of Chile and Peru.

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Providence invested $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds to create this state-of-the-art habitat, which features both land areas and underwater viewing spots where visitors can watch the penguins "fly" through water.

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The project faced unexpected delays and took three years to complete—it was originally planned to open last summer but hit "unforeseen circumstances" with the habitat construction.

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Why are these penguins so special? They're classified as "vulnerable" with their wild population declining since 1988—only about 12,000 breeding pairs remain worldwide.

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Roger Williams Park Zoo joined an elite group—it's one of just 24 facilities in North America caring for this species as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

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These penguins face serious threats: overfishing steals their food, fishing nets trap them accidentally, climate change disrupts their habitat, and human activity destroys their nesting sites.

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Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and city leaders celebrated the opening with a special "Penguin Palooza" event featuring animal chats, keeper talks, and family activities—all included with regular zoo admission.

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Planning a visit? Zoo officials recommend checking out the underwater viewing area for the best penguin experience—and summer is expected to be the busiest time to see these charismatic new residents!

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