Our final stop was a quick visit to the Memphis Zoo's colony of African Black-footed Penguins. A favorite of mine. We fore-went visiting the Aquarium, the Nocturnal Animal House and the Once Upon A Farm barnyard/petting zoo. It was already a long day and after the thrill of Cat Country, the Penguin Rock was a nice coda, just right.
We happened upon a keeper setting things right for the evening. She was very happy to chat and a little more so when I mentioned that I volunteer at the Maryland Zoo. At the Maryland Zoo we have the largest colony of African Black-footed Penguins in North America and a habitat that is the standard of excellence in breeding. There is hardly a zoo that keeps this species that doesn't have at least one bird born at the Maryland Zoo, and certainly a related bird if nothing else.
She mentioned that they had a colony of 28 with 5 successful births in the past year. What joy! Amazing for a colony of 23, I would think. The shape of the "rock" was very reminiscent of the old penguin habitat at the Maryland Zoo, too.
Final thoughts: Memphis has a great zoo with lots of wonderful species. It's a little large for a single day visit, all the more reason to return some day.
