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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Pittsburgh’s Regional Asset District issues record preliminary budget | 90.5 WESA

In all, RAD proposes to fund 107 organizations of all sizes, from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the National Aviary, Pittsburgh Symphony and Heinz History Center to small dance and theater troupes.

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Pittsburgh conservation planting seeds for visitors and investment | Capital Analytics Associates

Pittsburgh’s conservation institutions are a growing part of the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreation economy. At the National Aviary, Executive Director Cheryl Tracy says the institution is “just getting started,” despite nearly 75 years of history.

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2nd extinct-in-wild Guam kingfisher hatches at National Aviary | CBS News

For the second time this year, a bird that's extinct in the wild hatched at the National Aviary.

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Jungle Creatures and Fantastic Features: Toucans | Phipps Conservatory

Jungle Quest invites guests on a stunning safari bursting with terrific topiary animals, tropical foliage and beautiful blooms...including some animals you can see at the Aviary!

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Uncover Mystical “Creatures” and Meet the Bird Species who Inspired them during Forests this fall, ONLY at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Journey throughout Forests Presented by Peoples, the Aviary’s new fall theme; learn more about the otherworldly species who inhabit these magical woodland areas.

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