!

Please Note:

Please Note: The National Aviary will be CLOSED Thursday, July 10 - Friday, July 11 for Night in the Tropics. We will reopen Saturday, July 12 at 12 pm. Our parking lot will also be closed on Wednesday, July 9 for event set up. Plan Your Next Visit

Close Announcement

Penguin Painting Encounter

Penguin Painting Encounter

Daily at 10:30 am
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 6+
*Available between July 1 – 30

ONE MONTH ONLY: Raise your flippers if you’ve ever wanted to meet a waddleful penguin up close?! Now is YOUR chance to watch a charming Penguin Point colony member create a work of art JUST FOR YOU!

A penguin waddling across a canvas, leaving footprints in its wake using animal-safe paint during a Penguin Painting Encounter.
Close up of a penguin during a Penguin Painting Encounter
  • Join us for one of the FEW opportunities to see an African Penguin in an Igloo (aka our Animal Encounter classroom)…because they’re warm-weather birds who don’t live in Antarctica!
  • Watch as one of our adorable Animal Ambassadors waddles across a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME! Listen closely for the pitter-patter of their webbed feet, leaving adorable footprints in their path using animal-safe paint.
  • Hear cool stories about the Aviary’s colony and learn amazing facts about this black-and-white species…like where their iconic waddle comes from!
  • Enjoy a UNIQUE opportunity to take your photo close to a penguin!
  • Learn about African Penguins and how you can help this Critically Endangered species at home, like choosing sustainable seafood for your dinner.
  • Guests are encouraged to take photos or videos and to ask questions.
Book a Penguin Painting Encounter

Reserve your spot today, this popular Encounter is sure to sell out!

Mark your calendars for more unique Pop-Up Encounters through the summer, including a Flamingo Feeding Encounter in July and an Armadillo and Friend Encounter in August. More details and registration coming soon!

Additional Information

  • This unique experience is designed for those ages 6 and up. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult over 18 years of age.
  • Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.  
  • Touching Policy: Please note, touching the penguin during Penguin Painting Encounters is strictly prohibited.
  • At the National Aviary, we give our animals the choice to participate in interactive experiences with caring guests like you! If our Animal Ambassador needs a day of rest, we will contact you to reschedule your Encounter, as the comfort and safety of our animals and our guests is always our top priority. Thank you for understanding!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 412-258-9445.

Proceeds from Animal Encounters support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.

In The News

See All News

Penguins hatched at National Aviary join colony with new names | MSN

The African penguin chicks that hatched at the National Aviary have new names, and they're ready to join the colony.

Read More »

Penguins hatched at National Aviary join colony with new names | KDKA News

The aviary revealed the penguins' names on Monday, sharing photos of the adorable siblings waddling around their new home.

Read More »

National Aviary reveals names for its youngest Penguins as they join the colony | WPXI

The National Aviary’s youngest African Penguins have officially joined the colony.

Read More »

Jungle Creatures and Fantastic Features: Flamingos | Phipps Conservatory

With help from the National Aviary, we’ll look at how Phipps flamingos compare to the real-life creatures they represent!

Read More »