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Recently, I spent some time inside the Scott Aquarium with the penguins.  The zookeepers at the Henry Doorly Zoo were showing off Gentoo penguin chicks -- 5 of them -- that had been born in December.  It was an usually high number of survivors compared to past years.

Before we went inside we had to step into tray with a soapy solution to keep from spreading disease to the penguins through our shoes.

I was the most overdressed person considering everyone else was wearing zoo attire and fishing boots. 

We learned that the lights make the penguins believe it's summer out right now since they are native to the Southern hemisphere.  It was wonderful seeing all the penguins up close too.  My son was jealous.

They are a curious bunch and I learned that quickly.  One of them seemed interested in my shoelaces and wanted to untie them.  Another one told us with his voice that we were getting too close.  

After we wrapped up getting video, it reminded me of a scene with "The Penguins of Madagascar" who are always plotting something and then suddenly jump into the penguin pose when the boss sees real people and says, 'Cute and cuddly boys.'

As we were leaving, one of the penguins got between me and the photographer and acted like he was one of us and was leaving the aquarium for good.  The zookeeper knew his tricks and shooed him back inside.

Brian