Eastport resident works with zoo's penguins

Bethany Wlaz has the best seat in the house for a gripping soap opera filled with lust, envy and intrigue.

Every day, the Eastport resident walks up a long tunnel to take in the action of "The Young and the Flightless."

It's her nickname for the interesting goings-on among the 43 African penguins on Rock Island at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, which according to officials is the largest colony of that type of penguin in North America.

"There's a lot of drama down here," quipped Wlaz, 26, clad in green T-shirt, gloves, khaki pants and big black rubber boots.

The soap opera cast is made...