Hours of Admission

Monday - Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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Penguin Encounter

Penguin Encounter

A 45-minute interactive experience that provides exclusive access to one of The Florida Aquarium’s most popular species ambassadors. Go behind the scenes with our animal care professionals and learn what it takes to deliver the highest of animal welfare to our colony of African penguins. The program also focuses on species biology, natural history and, most importantly, critical conservation efforts to help save the endangered African penguin.

Ultimate Penguin Experience

During the experience, guests will gather around for a special penguin meet and greet. The bird may get comfortable or choose to waddle in your direction! You may even have an opportunity to touch their dense wing or feel their soft feathers. With our focus on behavior husbandry and enrichment, the penguin decides your ultimate experience!

Also, enjoy :

  • Q&A with Care Takers
  • Complimentary Photo Opportunities

Your participation in this program not only helps support The Florida Aquarium’s commitment to saving marine wildlife but you are also actively joining in their care. The Penguin Encounter provides a unique enrichment opportunity that helps ensure a stimulating environment for our penguins.

female employee taking photo of woman wearing orange shit and woman wearing a white shirt and white hat with an African penguin

Program Details

  • Program begins at 1:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • Guests must check in a minimum of 15 minutes before start time
  • Must be at least 8 years of age
  • Children between the ages of 8-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult
  • Maximum capacity of eight (8) people

 

Penguin Encounter Tickets

$75 per person

IMPORTANT: a general admission ticket MUST BE purchased for each program participant for the date of your encounter program.

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More to Sea

Help us provide world-class animal care for our colony of African penguins and other critical conservation efforts for the species.

Symbolically Adopt a Penguin

Take home a plush of the South African Black-Footed penguin! Your newfound friend helps to support world-class animal care and conservation.

Learn More
african penguin standing up and looking left. photo credit steve benjamin

Act #NOOW

We need YOUR help in the effort to save the African penguin from extinction. As the population of this imperiled species continues to rapidly decline, it has become increasingly important for us to take action now. Help us raise awareness of the global impact of this matter by contacting the South African Ministry of Forestry & Fisheries via the link below.

Act Now