Rock Island is home to one of the largest colony of African penguins in North America! The colony was started in 1967 and contains between 40 and 50 birds. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has raised over 900 chicks over the years and plays a very large role in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan. The tour includes a trip into Rock Island, including a visit of the kitchen and food preparation area, the hospital room and chick rearing area, and the nesting room. Keepers will explain how the penguins are cared for and some of the necessary records that are kept. They will also speak a little about penguins in the wild and the efforts currently underway to conserve them.