TULSA, Okla. — There's no question that Tulsans love their penguins.
The statues you see around town were part of a huge fundraiser to build the Tulsa Zoo's African Penguin exhibit back in 2002.
However, international conservation groups say current population declines due to climate change and overfishing mean there won't be any left in the wild by 2035. The African penguin is now the first of 18 penguin species globally that meet the criteria for the critically endangered classification.
“"Like, if I talked about it too much you'd get me to cry, and I don't want to do that," Tulsa Zoo birdkeeper and North American penguin studbook keeper Seana Flossic told 2 News on Nov. 27.
The Tulsa Zoo has done what it can to preserve the captive population since 2002, when the statues became a hit around Green Country, and even Fayetteville, Ark.
"A penguin is so different. It wasn't something that anybody had seen before," Flossic said. And I think a lot of businesses here just really went for it."
The zoo's 23 penguins are among more than 1,000 in zoos and aquariums across North America.
Previous coverage >>> World Penguin Day: Tulsa Zoo celebrates 20 years of penguins
“I would encourage the public to financially support legitimate conservation and rehabilitation organizations like SANCCOB or visit partners, such as the Tulsa Zoo, to learn more about these penguins and the struggles they face,” said Flossic. “The more people know, the more they care. That leads to smarter decisions, like choosing sustainable seafood, to help ensure African penguins are around for generations to come.”
Numerous conservation groups also welcome online petition signatures and donations for the care and preservation of the species. Flossic said even visiting the Tulsa Zoo can help promote awareness about their endangered status.
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