Each year, the Little Rock Zoo collaborates with EAST programs to address various challenges that support the well-being of their animals. During the 2025–2026 school year, the zoo requested the development of nesting boxes for the penguins. These boxes were intended to support penguins during their breeding season by providing a safe and comfortable nesting environment. The students were especially passionate about this project because they had both visited the zoo since childhood, making it personally rewarding to contribute to the care and well-being of the penguins.
During a visit to the zoo, the penguin keepers stated that only five nesting boxes were available for a population of 21 penguins, and three of those boxes were already occupied by breeding pairs. Because of the limited number of nesting sites, several penguins were left without suitable housing during breeding season. This imbalance had the potential to create stress and conflict among the animals. One of the primary goals of the project was to help ensure that the penguins had access to a secure and comfortable nesting space, supporting a healthier and less stressful breeding environment.
To address this issue, the students constructed a safe and durable nesting box specifically designed for the African penguins at the zoo. The design used an artificial rock valve cover that blended naturally into the penguins’ habitat while also being practical for zoo staff to clean and relocate when needed. Students modified the cover by cutting a low entrance that allowed the penguins to enter easily and ventilation slits to allow additional air to enter. The nesting box was designed to comfortably house two African penguins while maintaining a natural appearance within the enclosure. In designing the nesting box, the students carefully considered the behaviors and needs of African penguins to ensure the structure was both safe and comfortable. The nesting box was delivered to the zoo in April 2026.
The client and community partner for this project was the Little Rock Zoo. This project benefited both the penguins and the zoo staff by providing an accessible, easy-to-maintain nesting box that enhanced the penguins’ living environment. The zoo supported the students throughout the process by arranging visits to the penguin enclosure and meetings with penguin keepers, who provided valuable insight into the best ways to design and assemble the nesting box.