Aquariums

Polk Penguin Conservation Center

Name: Polk Penguin Conservation Center
Address: Royal Oak, MI 48067, Royal Oak, MI, US
Telephone: (248) 541-5717
Rating: 4.9

★★★★☆ 4.9 (646 reviews)

📍 Royal Oak, MI 48067

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Highlights: Polk Penguin Conservation Center with 326,000-gallon aquatic habitat and underwater tunnels
Experience: 360-degree 4-D Antarctic entry with polar air blasts, sea mist, and iceberg calving projection
Award: 2017 AZA Exhibit Award for excellence in exhibit design
Best For: All ages

⭐The Polk Penguin Conservation Center features a 326,000-gallon aquatic area with underwater viewing tunnels that allow visitors to observe penguins above, around, and below water with nose-to-beak acrylic tunnel viewing opportunities
⭐The exhibit uses a 360-degree 4-D Antarctic entry experience with projection mapping that simulates iceberg calving, creating an immersive introduction to the penguin habitat
⭐The facility houses over 80 penguins in a contemporary, iceberg-inspired building at the Detroit Zoo
⭐The center offers an interactive experience called 'Mingle with the Macaronis,' which appears to be a signature hands-on program highly praised by visitors

💡Don't miss the 'Mingle with the Macaronis' interactive experience - reviewers highlighted this as an exceptional hands-on encounter that significantly enhanced their visit
💡Arrive early to experience the 360-degree 4-D Antarctic entry with projection mapping of iceberg calving, which sets an immersive tone before viewing the penguins
💡Take advantage of the volunteer docents stationed throughout the exhibit - visitors noted they provide knowledgeable, friendly guidance that enriches the educational experience significantly
💬Plan to spend time in the underwater gallery viewing penguins from multiple angles (above, around, and below through acrylic tunnels) - this unique perspective is a key feature of the exhibit worth experiencing fully
💬Purchase admission tickets in advance online as required for all non-member Detroit Zoo visitors to avoid delays and ensure smooth entry to this popular penguin center