KNOXVILLE - Zoo Knoxville’s African penguins are preparing to move to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the zoo is inviting their fans to a “formal farewell” weekend before they depart.

Zoo Knoxville penguin; image courtesy of Zoo Knoxville

Beginning Friday, August 30, through Monday, September 2, all guests wearing black and white attire will get $5 off general admission to the zoo to give the penguins a fitting send-off. Tickets can be purchased online at zooknoxville.org or at the zoo’s ticket window beginning August 30, 2019. Tickets must be used August 30 through September 2, 2019.

The decision to move the zoo’s four penguins was prompted by the upcoming start of construction on the $18 million, 2.5 acre ARC Campus, located directly across the pathway. When the option to move them to Ripley’s state-of-the-art penguin habitat became possible, Zoo Knoxville’s animal care team made the decision to relocate them to an upgraded home with more social and enrichment opportunities and avoid the stress of construction next door to their current home.

“We know our guests love our penguins, and we will all be sorry to see them go, but ultimately the decision came down to what was in their best interest,” said Zoo Knoxville President and CEO Lisa New. “Our first priority is providing them with the best care possible, and this move to Ripley’s beautiful habitat will enhance their quality of life.”

Zoo Knoxville and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies both participate in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan, a collaborative effort of zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to save penguins from extinction. African penguins are endangered, and their populations are declining due to threats from energy production & mining, overfishing of food supplies, pollution and severe weather caused by climate change.

For more information on Zoo Knoxville, you may visit zooknoxville.org.