PRESS ROOM

 

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), in partnership with the Michigan Science Center, presents “Penguins:  A Photographic Expedition” from July 11 to Sept. 6, 2015.  Located in the exhibit gallery in the Ford Education Center, the exhibition is open during regular Detroit Zoo hours and is free with admission.

The exhibition features 120 photographs by J.J. L’Heureux depicting penguins in the icy wilderness of Antarctica.  The images highlight the physical characteristics, behavior, movement, molting and family dynamics of 12 penguin species – four of which can be seen at the Detroit Zoo.

“My intention is to introduce visitors to the faces of a few of the notable inhabitants I have met and spent time with throughout the Southern Ocean, its islands and Antarctica,” said L’Heureux.

A native of Detroit, L’Heureux first visited Antarctica in 2000 and became so intrigued with the environment that she returns every year to document the Antarctic wildlife for her photography collection.  

“J.J.’s photographs give visitors a glimpse into the incredible experience of being in Antarctica and seeing these remarkable birds up close in their natural habitat,” said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO.  “We are pleased to showcase this exhibition as we move closer to completion of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center.”

Construction continues on the 33,000-square-foot penguin facility at the Detroit Zoo, which will be the largest of its kind in the world when it opens in early 2016.  Among the key features is the 325,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area that will allow visitors to see penguins deep dive.  Zoo visitors can currently see four species of penguins – king, macaroni, rockhopper and gentoo – at the Penguinarium.