In the dark recesses of the exhibit, two king penguins stand together. They’re bigger close up and less adorable. Their long narrow, downward-curving beaks appear dangerously sharp.
“They’ve just laid an egg,” biologist Maggie Reynolds says, weaving side-to-side to avoid stepping on the penguins — some knee-high, others half that size.
“Don’t get too close to them” she warns. “They’re really protective of their egg, so they will get defensive and use their beaks.”
Other king penguins, those currently unattached, are not shy about amorously rubbing up against a visitor.
“Jack! Stop that!” Reynolds orders while nudging the 3-foot-tall king off a visitor’s black rubber boot.
Generally, their courtship is a slow dance. Penguins like foreplay.
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