"Parade Of Penguins" Season Kicks Off At Zoo

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh penguins have already opened their season. Zoo penguins, that is.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium hosted the New Year's first "Parade of Penguins" Friday morning.

Stately King Penguins led the way, as Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins traced their royal footsteps. For loyal fans who lined the sidewalk, it was standing room only.

Curator of Exotic Life Dwayne Biggs says the tuxedo clad marchers love to strut their stuff.

"This is enrichment for them. Coming outside, they get excited about it," said Biggs. "And it's really neat to see when we have snow falling. They'll actually snap at the snow flakes and look around at it, you know. It's fun to watch."

If you missed the "opener," don't despair.

Biggs says the parade of penguins will step off every Saturday and Sunday morning at 11:30, through February - weather permitting. Penguin weather means 50 or below.

"Last winter it was great," says the curator. "We had a lot of repeat visitors every weekend. We actually had people making signs, parade signs for the penguins. And I tell you, that'll put a smile on your face any day."

It's hard not to smile when penguins waddle by.

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