The Cincinnati Zoo offers a range of penguin encounters and experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures. From the Little Blue Penguin Experience to the VIPenguin Experience, the zoo provides unique opportunities to learn about and interact with its penguin colonies while supporting conservation efforts.

Little Blue Penguin Experience

The Little Blue Penguin Experience at the Cincinnati Zoo is a 30-minute encounter that allows visitors to get up close with the zoo’s colony of little blue penguins. This experience is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April to October and is limited to a group size of up to 6 guests.

Details	Information
Availability	Tuesdays and Thursdays, April to October
Cost	$50 per person
Group Size	Up to 6 guests
Length	Approximately 30 minutes
Restrictions	– Children must be 10 years old or older and accompanied by an adult – Must be at least 15 years old to attend alone – Closed-toe shoes are required – ADA accessible and non-refundable

During the Little Blue Penguin Experience, guests will have the opportunity to observe the penguins up close, learn about their behavior and habitat, and even have the chance to hand-feed them. This unique encounter provides a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s penguin care and conservation efforts.

African Penguin Feeding

The African Penguin Feeding experience at the Cincinnati Zoo allows visitors to witness the feeding of the zoo’s colony of African penguins. This 30-minute encounter is available from Wednesday to Sunday, April to October, and is limited to a group size of up to 6 guests.

Details	Information
Availability	Wednesdays to Sundays, April to October
Cost	$15 per person
Group Size	Up to 6 guests
Length	Approximately 30 minutes
Restrictions	– Children must be 5 years old or older and accompanied by an adult – Must be at least 10 years old to attend alone – Closed-toe shoes are required – ADA accessible and non-refundable

During the African Penguin Feeding, guests will have the opportunity to observe the penguins’ natural feeding behaviors and learn about the importance of conservation efforts for this endangered species. The experience provides a unique and educational glimpse into the lives of these remarkable birds.

VIPenguin Experience

The VIPenguin Experience at the Cincinnati Zoo offers a more exclusive and in-depth encounter with the zoo’s penguin colonies. This 30-minute experience is available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to October and is limited to a group size of 2-5 guests.

Details	Information
Availability	Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, April to October
Cost	$140 per person (minimum of 2 people, up to 5)
Group Size	2-5 guests
Length	Approximately 30 minutes
Restrictions	– Children must be 10 years old or older and accompanied by an adult – Must be at least 15 years old to attend alone – Closed-toe shoes are required – ADA accessible and non-refundable

The VIPenguin Experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s penguin habitats and care, as well as the opportunity to interact with the penguins and their keepers. Guests will learn about the unique characteristics and conservation efforts for the different penguin species at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Penguin Parade

In addition to the up-close encounters, the Cincinnati Zoo also offers the Penguin Parade, a special event where the penguins are allowed to walk through the zoo’s grounds. This event takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from January to February, but is subject to the weather conditions being colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Penguin Encounter

The Cincinnati Zoo also offers a Penguin Encounter experience, which is available on non-holiday Mondays from January to March at 11:00 AM. This encounter allows visitors to observe the penguins and learn about their behavior and habitat.

Penguin Encounter (15-minute)

For those with limited time, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a 15-minute Penguin Encounter, which features either a Southern Rockhopper or Magellanic Penguin.

These penguin experiences at the Cincinnati Zoo provide unique opportunities for visitors to connect with these fascinating birds and support the zoo’s conservation efforts. Whether you choose the Little Blue Penguin Experience, the African Penguin Feeding, the VIPenguin Experience, or the Penguin Parade, you’re sure to have an unforgettable encounter with the zoo’s penguin colonies.

Reference:
– Cincinnati Zoo Penguin Encounters