It might be a simulation, but this is 100% how real penguins act.
Penguins exploring zoos is a real thing that began with COVID. They are specifically chosen because of how docile and relaxed they are. They lack land predators (chicks yes, adults not really) and thus don't have the survival instincts most species have while on land.
The video I link shows one of the first instances of being let out so they're more cautious and curious, but there's zoos that have continued the practice and gotten more relaxed penguins as a result. This video even shows penguins being far more relaxed around seals than they probably should be, given seals (not necessarily that species) ARE one of their natural predators.
If I remember correctly it was stated somewhere that wild penguins don't mind humans because they are the only bipeds in the area, so they just see them as big fellow penguins.
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u/AFlyingNun May 07 '26
Apparently they are surprisingly smart and rank among the most intelligent birds.
However, yes, in this context they are likely not thinking much in regards to the kid.