Polk Penguin Conservation Center
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is the largest penguin preservation center in the world. It is home to up to 120 penguins of four species– Gentoo, Macaroni, Rockhopper, and King. Royal Oak Michigan Information.
One of the most dramatic functions is a chilled 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep water area that will permit visitors to enjoy as penguins explore their habitat and deep-dive– something that is otherwise impossible to see, even in the wild. Two acrylic underwater tunnels offer guests with views above and listed below as the birds dive and skyrocket.
The structure has net-zero water objectives through the re-circulation and treatment of the environment and animal-management pools, wash-down systems, and exterior splash-play area. The facility was designed with a super-insulated exterior building envelope, which resembles the penguins’ natural thermal system– their feather coat.