For zoo enthusiasts, the opportunity to feed the penguins at London Zoo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This immersive encounter allows visitors to get up close and personal with the zoo’s Humboldt penguins, learning about their behavior, diet, and care while actively participating in their daily routine.
What is the London Zoo Penguin Feeding Experience?
The London Zoo Penguin Feeding Experience is a 90-minute program that invites up to four participants to join the zoo’s expert keepers in caring for the Humboldt penguins. During this hands-on session, visitors will have the chance to:
- Prepare the penguins’ food
- Conduct health checks on the birds
- Clean the penguin enclosure
- Directly feed the penguins
This unique experience provides an insider’s look at the daily life of the zoo’s penguin colony, offering participants the opportunity to learn about the species’ behavior, dietary requirements, and conservation efforts.
Costs and Booking
The London Zoo Penguin Feeding Experience is priced at £115 per person. This fee does not include general admission to the zoo, which must be purchased separately.
Discounts are available for certain groups:
- ZSL Gold Members, Patrons, and Fellows receive a 10% discount
- Customers who have booked an overnight stay at London Zoo Lodges receive a 15% discount if the experience is booked for either side of their stay
To book the Penguin Feeding Experience, visitors can fill out a form on the London Zoo website to register their interest and receive notifications when new tickets become available. The experience is offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with sessions starting at 11 am.
Participant Requirements
To ensure the health and safety of both the participants and the penguins, there are a few requirements for those wishing to take part in the Penguin Feeding Experience:
- Children must be at least 8 years old to participate
- Any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who must also purchase a Penguin Keeper experience ticket
- Pregnant or nursing mothers are not permitted to participate
- Participants must change into wellington boots provided by the zoo
- Participants must avoid contact with poultry or game birds for 14 days prior to the experience
Accessibility
The Penguin Feeding Experience is wheelchair accessible, and disability carers may accompany a participant free of charge. Visitors with disabilities or learning difficulties are encouraged to contact London Zoo for advice before booking the experience.
What to Expect During the Penguin Feeding Experience
During the 90-minute Penguin Feeding Experience, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily care and feeding of the Humboldt penguins. Under the guidance of the zoo’s expert keepers, visitors will:
- Prepare the penguins’ food, which consists of a variety of fish species, such as sprats and herring.
- Conduct health checks on the birds, including weighing and examining them to ensure their well-being.
- Clean the penguin enclosure, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the colony.
- Directly feed the penguins, hand-delivering the prepared food and observing their feeding behaviors.
Throughout the experience, participants will learn about the Humboldt penguin species, their natural habitats, and the conservation efforts undertaken by the zoo to protect these fascinating birds.
Conclusion
The London Zoo Penguin Feeding Experience offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity for zoo enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the zoo’s Humboldt penguins. This hands-on encounter allows visitors to actively participate in the daily care and feeding of these charismatic birds, while also learning about their behavior, dietary requirements, and conservation status. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo-goer or a first-time visitor, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your appreciation for the incredible work done by the zoo’s dedicated staff.
References:
– https://secretldn.com/penguin-keeper-london-zoo-experience/
– https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/zoo-experiences/meet-penguins
– https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/news/london-zoo-launches-new-penguin-keeper-experience