Penguin Paradise

A couple of weeks ago, a suspicious package was delivered by the Postal Woman. Inside, were the ingredients for the "coolest" weekend I've had in a long time. I was introduced to the love of penguins as a child, by our kid-sitter Joy. She passed on her collection of stuffed penguins when they were retired from her possession. There were dozens of them, including a battery operated penguin slide.

I never thought I would actually get to meet a penguin up close and personal, but thanks to the Penguin Adoption Program and the related Valentine events at the Fort Worth Zoo in Dallas, Texas, it became a reality!

The package includes two stuffed penguins, an adoption certificate, good for one year, two photographs; one African Penguin, and one Rockhopper Penguin; brunch for two adults, and two zoo admission passes. I have to say that for the price and for the fun, it is a great way to provide food for the penguins and other animals for a whole year!

The gallery had eight tables set with black linens, candlelight, and a centerpiece of paper flowers and marshmallow hearts. There were "mocktails" called Hearts Spritzer. The buffet menu was amazing as well. Definitely something for everyone.

The Penguins soon followed. Much smaller and way more cute than I ever expected, I was immediately thinking that this whole event was what P!nk refers to "too School for Cool".

Jack is a Rockhopper Penguin from New Zealand. He is 15 years old, and has been featured on the Jay Letterman show, and has been exposed to much publicity in his life. He was also about 15 inches high, and was cruising through walking around like he owned the place. And he did.

His mate was the center of the photo op that was set up for guests as well. She is 3 years old.

Following the initial brunch, was a game. It was the "Newly Wild Game" in which three couples were called front and center to expose personal information about their love lives. The first couple have been married for about 14 years, and were high school sweethearts. The second couple has been together for five years, but never engaged, and the third couple have been married for three years.

The topics of the game would make anyone blush, but mating rituals of the animals were exposed as well, and we were even introduced to several different animals from the zoo. Owls, Alligators, Birds, and even a dog that protects farm life from animal attacks from Mountain Lions.

During the game, the second couple got engaged... they even won the game too!

I would highly recommend this program and event to anyone who can get there next year! It was much better than I ever anticipated, and was well planned and emceed.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Following the brunch, we headed out to check out the Zoo. I have heard it is one of the finest in the country. I have to say that it is very aesthetically pleasing, and I felt like the animals that are housed there are very well taken care of and have fun areas to roam around in. The general paths and infrastructure of the zoo was well planned and well maintained too.

I enjoyed all of the exhibits, however the flamingos were amazing as were the lion and lioness who were happily playing, and the gorillas too. The penguin exhibit though was very cool, as I have not seen one since I visited the aquarium in Boston several years ago.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

valentine penguin photo credit and brunch menu by the Fort Worth Zoo.