Penguin Chill Exhibit Albuquerque Biopark

“Oh wow, we’re going to have penguins in the desert!” exclaimed Dana Feldman, Director of Albuquerque Cultural Services. “Penguin species are threatened in the wild, so being able to breed penguins is very important to the longevity of the species,” she added.

Creating the South Pole environment for the Penguin Exhibit in New Mexico required the expertise of zoologists, the Architectural/Engineering team and KIRLIN to ensure that penguins would live in a setting which included UVA light, a component of the chromaticity of penguin’s natural habitat. The custom lighting solution is 375nm UVA LED downlighting from shallow cylinders, in addition to visible LED daylighting. Zoologists believe this accurate Arctic chromaticity will improve breeding outcomes.

Kirlin obtained U.L. listing and U.L. photobiological testing that verified these custom luminaires delivered consistent LED illumination of the desired peak frequency of 375nm. With UV emitting LEDs to supplement the primary illumination, ultraviolet wavelengths reproduce an Arctic lighting environment making the magnificent creatures feel right at home.

The Penguin Chill now provides a slice of the South Pole for native Gentoo, King, and Macaroni species.