The Moody Gardens® Penguin Encounter is a 45-minute program designed to allow guests to get up close to one of the penguins from the Aquarium Pyramid® South Atlantic Exhibit.  Led by a Moody Gardens® biologist, the experience starts at the front of the exhibit and takes guests behind the scenes to the penguin food preparation kitchen and the back of the chilly penguin exhibit while discussing penguin biology, conservation, training, enrichment and care. Participants will experience the cool climate, sounds and even smells of the exhibit and witness a penguin create a work of art as part of an enrichment activity for the animal.

Penguin Encounter Program Package*
$40 per person, 1 year old and under free
Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Aquarium Pyramid® of the day of the encounter. Participants must also purchase admission to the Aquarium Pyramid®.

 Fall Schedule (Beginning Aug. 23):
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Private Penguin Encounter Program Package*
$300 per group of up to four people
Guests can schedule a private encounter at their convenience based on availability. This 45-minute encounter includes a piece of penguin art for each participant and admission to the Aquarium Pyramid®. Reservations must be made at least one week prior to the encounter date. To schedule an appointment, please call Diane Olsen between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 1-800-582-4673 Ex. 4102 or email at dolsen@moodygardens.com.

The Seal and Penguin Experience Package*
$175 per person
Experience what it’s like to be a keeper at the South Atlantic and North Pacific exhibits for a day. The 6-hour Seal and Penguin Experience will take guests behind the scenes and allow guests to try various activities such as feeding penguins and helping biologists with clean-up duties. This package includes admission to the Aquarium Pyramid®, lunch, a photograph and a piece of penguin art. Maximum three participants (must be 16 years or older) are allowed per session. Please wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes. Reservation is necessary. Please contact Joel'Lon Lockett at 1-800-582-4673 ex. 4325 or e-mail education@moodygardens.com for more information.

 *Because these are special, behind-the-scenes experience, and participants are allowed in staff-only areas, it is not wheel-chair accessible.

Q. What is the difference between a public and private Penguin Encounter?
A. (1) While a private Penguin Encounter includes admission to the Aquarium Pyramid, a public one does not. So you must first purchase the Aquarium Pyramid ticket. (2) While a private Penguin Encounter accommodates only your party, a public one can have as many as 16 people per session. (3) While the private Penguin Encounter can be scheduled at your convenience, public encounters are only offered at the scheduled times. (4) Each person in a private Penguin Encounter will receive a piece of penguin art that is created during the session. Public encounter participants can purchase a piece at the Aquarium Pyramid gift shop.

Q. Hope long does a Penguin Encounter last? 
A. Approximately 45 minutes

Q. Do we get to touch or pet a penguin? 
A. It all depends on the penguin and what kind of mood he or she is in. Our biologists are experts in determining if it’s appropriate for you to do so.

Q. Is it cold in there? 
A. Yes, it is 45 degrees in the Penguin Encounter area.  We have blankets and jackets available.

Q. What if I want to bring more than four people for my private Penguin Encounter? 
A. While there is no price break for fewer than four people, you may add more people at $50 extra per additional person.

Q. Will I get to feed the penguin?
A. Penguins love getting fed by familiar faces. Unfortunately, you cannot feed them, but you can watch our biologists feed them several times throughout the day at the South Atlantic exhibit.

Q. What do I do if I am late? 
A. The Penguin Encounter starts at the front of the exhibit and will be there for about five minutes.  After that time, you will have to find a staff member to escort you back.  Guests are not allowed in the back areas un-escorted.

Q. Can I take pictures? 
A. Yes, you can! The penguins do not mind, and some of them can be such posers.

Q. Can I be in the pictures? 
A. It depends on the penguin whether he or she will allow people to approach him or her. Our biologists are experts in detecting how the penguin feels about that.

Also please note...
Encounters can be canceled at any time if there is an animal emergency.
Because these are special, behind-the-scenes experience, and participants are allowed in staff-only areas, it is not wheel-chair accessible.