Penguin Feeding Encounter

Daily, except Tuesdays at 10:15 am and 3:45 pm
Members: $89.10 per person
Non-Members: $99 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 12+
*Available between March 15 and November 15

Step into the rocky shores of the National Aviary’s Penguin Point habitat to hand-feed our charming penguin colony alongside an Aviary expert!

Gear up with boots and hip-waders* and step onto the rocky shores of Penguin Point alongside an Aviary aviculturist**.
Feed a variety of different sustainable fish to our colony; hand-feeding the penguins that waddle up to you and tossing fish to those who prefer to catch their meal.
Watch their adorable antics as they hop and waddle towards your feet.
Learn about African Penguins and how you can help this Critically Endangered species at home, like choosing sustainable seafood for your own dinner.

Book a Penguin Feeding Encounter

_{*Hip-waders are waterproof and breathable boots that are hip-height!
**An aviculturist is a National Aviary expert who provides daily care for the penguins}

Please note: This outdoor experience is weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel either Penguin Feeding Encounter based on our assessment of bird and guest safety, providing as much notice as possible. Inclement weather includes temperatures below 40°F, snow, consistent rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail.

Additional Information

To ensure the best experience for guests and our penguins, Penguin Feeding Encounters are for guests ages 12 and older.
- All children 17 and under must have their release forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by another encounter participant over the age of 18.
Animal Encounters are non-refundable. Requests to reschedule must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance, based upon availability.
Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Attire: We will provide rain pants and jackets (available in sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3X), boots (available in sizes M5/W7, M7/W9, M9/W11, M11/W13, M14/W16), and latex gloves (please notify us if you have a latex allergy at the time of booking).
Guests must wear socks (available for purchase in the Gift Shop), and long pants are highly recommended.
Entering the Habitat: Access to the feeding area involves climbing a short flight of steps and walking over uneven terrain. You will be seated in the habitat for the feeding. Seats are portable chairs with a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Interacting with our Penguins: We ask that guests walk slowly and carefully, as our penguins will be in the habitat with you.
Personal Items: We will store your personal items that cannot be taken into the habitat with you. The National Aviary is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Cell phones are permitted in the habitat; however, the ability to use such devices in Penguin Point during the feeding will be left up to the discretion of the National Aviary staff member overseeing the Encounter.
The Penguin Feeding Encounter is the ultimate chance to get close to African Penguins. It is designed for a maximum of two individuals; perfect for a couple, two friends, or even an individual feeder! Please note: when booking individually, another individual may also reserve the same time slot and be seated near you.

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

The Invisible Clues Animals Leave Behind Are Helping Save Entire Ecosystems (featuring an interview with Dr. Steve Latta) | A-Z Animals

In this article, we speak with Dr. Steven Latta, Director of Conservation and Field Research at The National Aviary. In his own work, he collects eDNA samples from water, leaf litter, feathers, egg shells, and other substrates to identify species presence.

Why Animals in Cold Climates Are Bigger: The Science Behind Bergmann’s Rule (featuring an interview with Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

“Large animals can conserve heat more efficiently than smaller animals in cold climates,” explains Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist for the National Aviary.

Penguins To Hold ‘Penguins Pledge Night’ Presented by U. S. Steel | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins Pledge will also raise funds and call attention to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and their conservation leadership with African Penguins.

Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County | National Today

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

Why Are There No Birds in My Birdhouse? I Asked Expert Bob Mulvihill Who Told Me How to Attract Birds to Any Birdhouse | Gardening Know How

To help ensure your birdhouses are as appealing to birds as possible, [we] asked a National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for the most common reasons why houses remain vacant and how to make houses more attractive to garden birds.