North America’s largest African penguin colony is located at the Maryland Zoo’s Penguin Coast (One Safari Way in Baltimore, MD). Visitors can watch and engage with (touch, etc.) these unusual birds as they waddle, swim, dive, and dine in a setting that replicates their native habitat.
Visitors can participate in a unique 30-minute Penguin Encounter that offers a close-up look at the endangered African penguins. In addition to unique photo possibilities and opportunity for up-close engagement, this encounter includes a guided keeper lecture that provides insights into the lives of these penguins.
Since the interaction is outside, visitors are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. In order to ensure an intimate experience, sessions are intended for small groups, with no more than eight people per encounter.
Seasonally, the encounter schedule changes: sessions are given Tuesday through Thursday at 1:50 PM and Friday through Monday at 11:20 AM and 1:50 PM from March to December; encounters are offered on Friday through Monday at 11:20 AM and 1:50 PM in January and February.
Adults and children eight years of age and up are allowed entry to the Penguin Encounter; youngsters younger than eight are not allowed. Furthermore, minors between the ages of 8 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult who has a ticket, with a maximum of three children for every adult. Tickets are $54 for Zoo Members and $64 for Non-Members, and they must be bought in advance.
