Visitors to Little Rock will encounter central Arkansas natives in various forms, but none will be as adorable or funny as the zoo’s newest inhabitants, a group of South African penguins.

These little waddlers, who come from a warm climate along Africa’s southwestern coast and islands, have settled into the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe habitat, which boasts a lifelike African beach shoreline made of gunite concrete and rebar. This realistic setting is important because these penguins are a threatened species; the simulation of their natural habitat will aid in the zoo’s breeding efforts. Other amenities include a heated pool and replica rock bluffs mimicking their African home and nesting area—a virtual penguin paradise.

“This is the largest and most interesting exhibit the zoo has ever done,” said Susan Altrui, director of development and marketing for the Little Rock Zoo. “It’s actually going to be one of the best penguin exhibits in the region, if not the country.”

This just-like-home habitat is enjoyable for zoo guests and penguins alike. Visitors can watch the penguins from a graded, windowed viewing area offering a penguin’s-eye view along the shore and under the water. Children will especially enjoy watching penguins dive into the pool from a just-for-kids crawl space. Parents can follow along, if they duck, as children scamper under an upturned boat viewing area that offers a special look up into the water—kids will feel like they’re actually in the pool with the penguins (some of which swim close to the windows).

Zookeepers host live feeding shows daily, and occasionally, two of the penguins will travel to the zoo’s amphitheater for special, educational programs.

Penguin Pointe and its educational programs are free with zoo admission, which is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 1-12. There is a $2 parking fee per car.

The zoo is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day); last admission is sold at 4 p.m. For more info, call (501) 661-7218 or visit LittleRockZoo.com.

PLUS: The Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Habitat is coming June 2012!