# @thekansascitystar on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CrBHfKMruHo
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/18810630-thekansascitystar-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/a80fe55323.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-04-14T13:00:05.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kansas City Star (@thekansascitystar) — https://gondola.cc/thekansascitystar

## Caption

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 dozen died as chicks.

Officials with the zoo, which is accredited by the AZA through 2026, and has been continuously accredited since 1984, say they’re doing the best they can. Deaths are natural, they pointed out, adding that a number of elderly birds have thrived in their care too. Four of the zoo’s current penguins are among the oldest in the country, at age 36.

Read more about the penguin exhibit at the link in our bio.

📸: shortlittlekidd 

#Penguins #KansasCity #KCZoo #Zoos #ZooAnimals

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## Tags

zooanimals, penguins, kczoo, zoos, kansascity

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