Penguin Point
Penguin Point transports visitors to the rocky shores of South Africa to experience the sights, sounds, (and smells!) of an African Penguin colony. This spacious habitat with indoor and outdoor views gives a 360° perspective of African Penguins as they waddle, scale rocks, and torpedo through the water.
You can catch incredible views of the penguins as they swim through the water in the wheelchair-accessible acrylic tubes, which offer a penguin’s-eye view of the space. Domed bubbles crop up through the rocky ledges, putting you face-to-beak with the birds! Heated caves provide space for nesting.
As a leader in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for African Penguins, the National Aviary’s penguins play an important role in helping their species rebound and keeping the genetic lines of African Penguins in zoos strong, diverse, and healthy.
African Penguins are Critically Endangered due to human encroachment on their breeding grounds and overfishing. While at Penguin Point, learn about Seafood Watch and how you can make sustainable seafood choices to help brighten the future for African Penguins and other aquatic species.
You can learn more about African Penguins by visiting our daily Penguin Feeding at 10:30 am and 4pm, included with admission.
Spend even more time with them by booking a Penguin Feeding Ecnounter (available from March 1 to November 15) or a Penguin Encounter!
Learn More about Animal EncountersDo you teach or have have school-aged children interested in learning why Penguins are Cool, or about different Habitats around the world? The National Aviary’s CyBIRD Virtual Education platform is for them!
Learn More about CyBIRD ProgramsSupport African Penguins with a symbolic adoption! The Adopt-A-Bird program makes a great gift, and helps us care for our flock!