Standing tall in his sleek tuxedo-like feathers with golden accents, Arthur, the king penguin, is a figure of elegance and dignity. Unlike his smaller African penguin relatives, Arthur exudes a calm and regal demeanor, often found leading his group in a slow and deliberate march around their icy enclosure.
Arthur’s favorite activity is pebble collecting. During nesting season, he carefully selects smooth and shiny stones, arranging them meticulously to create the perfect nest. This ritual is not just functional; it’s also his way of attracting a mate. One year, Arthur's rival, Percy, attempted to steal pebbles from Arthur’s nest. Instead of retaliating, Arthur simply waddled off and returned moments later with an even larger, shinier stone, winning the admiration of his peers—and the attention of his chosen mate.
Visitors love watching Arthur dive gracefully into the pool, his golden feathers shimmering underwater like a crown. His dignified presence has earned him the nickname “The Emperor’s Cousin,” and his story reminds us of the delicate beauty of these cold-weather birds.