PopTart the Penguin

Posted by Trae Mundt on February 5, 2025

PopTart - Penguin Portrait - Graphite and Charcoal Drawing by Trae Mundt.

It was a very special day. I was looking forward to spending quality time with the Penguins at SeaWorld® San Diego.

While at the Penguin Habitat, I learned that they had a behind-the-scenes Penguin Encounter Up-Close Tour for people who wanted to be closer to the penguins.

As you can see we bought the tickets. It was so much fun!!! This picture is of me and little PopTart, a Macaroni penguin. Jack, our tour guide, is seen in the background.

PopTart was so friendly!! I love him!

PopTart's head position in the picture above is an example of a side profile pose. My portrait drawing is closer to a 3/4 view pose. With 3/4 view poses, noses and penguin bills appear smaller. 😊

After we each took turns getting close to PopTart, we walked up the stairs and entered the back of the penguin habitat.

Macaroni penguins came up to visit us! We saw Emperor, King, Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins too.

At the end of our tour I asked Clementine, PopTart's aviculturist, if she would take a picture with me. She was so gracious! She took the time to answer all my questions. It was a very special time for me.

Leave a comment below. I enjoy hearing from you. 🐧

~ Trae

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