The Humboldt penguins have officially returned to the Milwaukee County Zoo in their newly remodeled home, Penguins of the Pacific.
Located near the front of the zoo, the $5 million renovation of the exhibit, originally built in the 1980s, has brought exciting upgrades to enhance both the penguins’ environment and the visitor experience.
The remodeled habitat features:
- Expanded viewing windows for better visibility.
- A larger pool, now holding 30,000 gallons of water (up from 10,000).
- New shade structures and a modern water filtration system.
The zoo’s 15 Humboldt penguins were temporarily housed in the flamingo building during the renovation, out of public view.
To celebrate the exhibit’s grand reopening on December 11, special activities will take place during the Wild Lights Holiday Event from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.:
- The first 500 visitors will receive a Penguins of the Pacific tote bag.
- Guests can enjoy a penguin-themed craft and create their own penguin mask.
Learn more about Wild Lights at the Zoo and check out our Family Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo to plan your visit!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
