Exciting news for penguin enthusiasts, as the Detroit Zoo has just introduced its latest feathered addition – a delightful chick named Atticus. However, what sets Atticus apart from most other baby penguins is his sheer size. At this early stage, he already tips the scales, surpassing the weight of both his parents combined. While Atticus isn’t currently on public display at the Detroit Zoo, it is hoped that he will make his public debut in the near future. For a closer look at this oversized, fluffy penguin baby, be sure to watch the accompanying video below.
Weighing in at an impressive 35.42 pounds, Atticus has already outgrown his mother and father. Born on August 19, 2024, this King Penguin chick has been calling the Detroit Zoo’s Polk Penguin Conservation Center home. Despite his substantial stature, Atticus won’t be mingling with visitors anytime soon. This is because King Penguins require a year or more to develop their waterproof feathers.
Until Atticus’s sleek black-and-white plumage grows in, he’ll be sporting a gray fluff. The zoo plans to integrate him into the general penguin population only after his waterproof feathers have fully matured. Unsurprisingly, the comments section of the video is overflowing with viewers expressing their adoration for the enormous, fluffy baby penguin.
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which opened its doors in 2016, is renowned as the largest penguin facility globally. Featuring an expansive penguin pool and innovative viewing spaces, the center offers visitors an engaging and immersive experience. Noteworthy attractions include an underwater viewing tunnel allowing guests to observe swimming penguins up close. Further enhancing the experience, a special window enables visitors to marvel as penguins glide beneath their feet.
Bonnie Van Dam, the Curator of Birds at the Detroit Zoological Society, praised the center’s child-friendly design. Unlike many exhibits with barriers that obstruct children’s view, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center boasts wall-to-wall windows ensuring even the smallest visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the penguins.
Within the center, a diverse array of penguin species can be found, including Chinstrap, Gentoo, Macaroni, Rockhopper, and King Penguins. The addition of Atticus to this vibrant community is sure to draw crowds of eager zoo visitors keen to catch a glimpse of the newest member. With Atticus’s impressive size and the exceptional visibility offered by the penguin exhibit, visitors to the Detroit Zoo are in for an unforgettable encounter with this regal King Penguin.
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