Ever wanted to meet a penguin up close? Visit Audubon Aquarium for an up-close encounter with an endangered African penguin. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an intimate, hands-on experience with a penguin in a private encounter area. An aquarium aviculturist will be with you to answer questions and guide you through the experience.
🕒 45 min | 👦 Age 6+ | 📍The Cove 📅 Offered Fridays & Saturdays at 9:30 AM ➡️ Meeting Point: Information Booth in the main lobby (arrive by 9:15 PM)
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Aquarium Admission is included in your purchase price.
💲 Non-Members: $125 per person | 💲 Members: $115 per person Aquarium admission is included in your purchase price.
✔️ Meet a Penguin – Get up close with an endangered African penguin in a private encounter area. ✔️ Hands-On Interaction – Enjoy a unique opportunity to interact with a penguin under expert supervision. ✔️ Learn from the Experts – Ask questions and hear fun facts from our aviculturist. ✔️ Take Photos – Snap pictures of your penguin moment. ✔️ Support Conservation – Learn how this experience supports penguin care and education.
Know Before You Go
Tickets: Tickets are per person. Each individual must have their own ticket. Mobile passes are accepted.
Duration: ~45 minutes
Group Size: Up to 8 people
Ages: 6+ (Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Attire: Close-toed shoes required
Meeting Point: Information Booth in the main lobby (arrive by 9:15 AM). One of our staff will meet you in the lobby at the front desk facing the gift shop. Do not wait in ticket purchasing line.
Ticket Cutoff: Last ticket sold is 4 hours before the start of the experience
Accessibility: Not currently wheelchair accessible, but improvements are underway
Allergy Notice: Our aquatic animals may be offered shellfish, finfish, or crustaceans
⚠️ Availability is limited—reserve your Wild Encounter today!
Your support strengthens our conservation efforts!
Audubon Nature Institute reserves the right to alter or cancel any program due to the animals’ well-being, severe weather conditions, or facility availability. Audubon Nature Institute also reserves the right to remove any participant from the program that the staff feels is endangering themselves, other participants, or the animals or if he/she is disruptive to the other participants. Programs will not occur in the rain and will be rescheduled or a refund issued. Any guest under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances will not be permitted to participate in the program, and no refund will be given. The animal’s participation in the programs is strictly voluntary. The interaction will end if they choose not to interact with the participant. Audubon Nature Institute will reschedule in this incident, or a refund will be given. The experience is in a behind-the-scenes location and is only accessible to paid guests on the tour.
