News at the Zoo: Waddling into the penguin cove at the Idaho Falls Zoo - East Idaho News
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News at the Zoo: Waddling into the penguin cove at the Idaho Falls Zoo

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in an ongoing series highlighting animals and exhibits at the Idaho Falls Zoo. Each week this summer we’ll bring you a new video featuring some of your favorite animals.

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is lucky to have a number of rare animals on display — including the African Penguin.

This week, EastIdahoNews.com met up with Sunny Katseanes, Education Curator for the Idaho Falls Zoo and learned quite a bit about this endangered species.

Right now 17 of the 800 African penguins in captivity are right here in Idaho Falls.

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The Idaho Falls Zoo takes part in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Penguin Species Survival Program. The zoo has sent offspring from the breeding of its penguins to 17 other zoos and aquariums and has received penguins from eight different institutions.

Currently, there are nine penguin eggs at the zoo, which are due to hatch any day. Zoo staff don’t know if all nine are viable, because once the penguins lay their eggs staff don’t interfere or check them.

To learn more about the penguins check out our interviews in the video above.

Zoo guests can meet the penguins at the Idaho Falls Zoo though the Penguin Interaction Program. Through the program, guests can meet the penguins, touch and interact with these rare birds.

Additionally, the Idaho Falls Zoo is hosting World Oceans Day on Saturday, June 25 from 1 p.m. 4 p.m. They invite guests to participate in water-conservation-themed crafts, games and activities for the whole family. The event is included with paid zoo admission or TPZS membership.

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