Malott Family Penguin Encounter

Enter the African penguin habitat for a small-group introduction to the colony and the daily lives of penguins at the zoo and along the southern African coast. The 60-minute program includes time at the front of the habitat, in a behind-the-scenes area, and inside the habitat. Penguins choose whether to enter the encounter space and how closely or how long they approach; participants may not touch or feed them.

All guests need tickets and must be at least 6. Ages 6–17 require a paid adult, with at least one adult per four minors. Groups are limited to eight and may be combined. Expect short walks, a sanitation foot bath, 20–30 minutes of sitting, strong fish odors, and a semi-covered outdoor environment. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory so the provided shoe covers and gaiters can be worn. Bags go in on-site lockers.

Tickets are online-only and must be purchased at least 24 hours ahead. The encounter runs rain or shine unless weather threatens guests or animals. Accessibility is constrained by tight space near water and limits on mobility devices; families seeking accommodations should contact zooexperiences@lpzoo.org before attending.