In 2013, the Kansas City Zoo’s penguin exhibit ushered in a new era for the zoo as admission numbers rose to record levels. This year, the penguin exhibit will celebrate its 10-year-anniversary as the zoo prepares to open a $77 million aquarium. With the next major milestone on its horizon, a look back at the past decade reveals the trials and tribulations of launching a new exhibit. Birds have died, some at young ages. But the KansasCityZoo has also become a key breeder for other accredited zoos, and credits the popularity of the penguin exhibit with helping to lay the groundwork for the zoo’s fortunes and future. Since 2013, the zoo has been home to 136 penguins. Some were borrowed from other zoos and then returned. Some were born in Kansas City, while others began breeding there. Of the 136, 19 have died at the zoo. Only two of the penguins that died lived beyond the median age of death for that sex and species in captivity, per the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Half a doze...