Penguin Point

Penguin Point

Penguin Point transports visitors to the rocky shores of South Africa to experience the sights, sounds, (and smells!) of an African Penguin colony. This spacious habitat with indoor and outdoor views gives a 360° perspective of African Penguins as they waddle, scale rocks, and torpedo through the water.

You can catch incredible views of the penguins as they swim through the water in the wheelchair-accessible acrylic tubes, which offer a penguin’s-eye view of the space. Domed bubbles crop up through the rocky ledges, putting you face-to-beak with the birds! Heated caves provide space for nesting.

As a leader in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for African Penguins, the National Aviary’s penguins play an important role in helping their species rebound and keeping the genetic lines of African Penguins in zoos strong, diverse, and healthy.

African Penguins are Critically Endangered due to human encroachment on their breeding grounds and overfishing. While at Penguin Point, learn about Seafood Watch and how you can make sustainable seafood choices to help brighten the future for African Penguins and other aquatic species.

You can learn more about African Penguins by visiting our daily Penguin Feeding at 10:30 am and 4 pm, included with General Admission.

Spend even more time with them by booking a Penguin Feeding Encounter (available from March 1 to November 15) or Penguin Encounter.

Learn More about Animal Encounters

CyBird Virtual Education!

Do you teach or have school-aged children interested in learning why Penguins are Cool or about different Habitats around the world? The National Aviary’s CyBIRD Virtual Education platform is for them!

Learn More about CyBIRD Programs

Symbolically Adopt a Penguin!

Support African Penguins with a symbolic adoption! The Adopt-A-Bird program makes a great gift and helps us care for our flock!

Learn More

In The News

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National Aviary’s ‘Jingle Bell Flock’ show brings high-flying holiday cheer | TribLive

The National Aviary on the North Side is getting into the festive spirit, starting the day after Thanksgiving with its new “Jingle Bell Flock” immersive show.

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55-plus holiday season events for kids in the Pittsburgh area | Kidsburgh

Glowing light shows, magical theatrical productions and the best music of the season are just a small part of the lineup.

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A penguin waddles into the PTL studio! | Pittsburgh Today Live

The National Aviary paid a visit to the PTL studios, and they brought Ella the African Penguin with them to tell Mikey and David about the work they're doing to protect the flightless birds.

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Best of the World 2026 | National Geographic

Steel mills once shaped outsiders’ whole impressions of Pittsburgh, but today the city increasingly defines itself by embracing the venerable cultural institutions that industrial prosperity helped build.

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Fun fall events at the National Aviary | Pittsburgh Today Live

Hear about all of the National Aviary fun happening this fall!

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