Penguin Encounter

The Long Island Aquarium is implementing measures to protect our penguins from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has been found on Long Island, in close proximity of our aquarium.  HPAl is a disease carried by birds, most often migratory waterfowl, and can be fatal to some species. The virus does not spread easily from animals to humans. Because of the close proximity of this outbreak  to our location, our veterinarian has required that we keep our endangered African Penguins behind-the-scenes in our indoor holding area.  We’ll continue to monitor the situation with state and local officials closely.

In response to the deadly Avian Flu, we are working under the direction of and in coordination with state and federal agencies and our head veterinarian to ensure the safety of our colony.

These are the enhanced safety protocols we are following:

• Participants must acknowledge that they have not handled or interacted with wild or domestic birds within 12 hours of their program.
• Participants must refrain from wearing clothing or footwear that has been worn around other avian species while attending penguin programs.
• You will be instructed to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to the encounter.
• Participants will use a disinfecting shoe bath before entering the penguin encounter area.
• Participants will wear aquarium-provided shoe coverings for the duration of the encounter.
• This is a no contact encounter, there will be no touching or petting the penguin during the encounter.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be up close to a penguin?

Don’t miss our Penguin Encounter! Imagine a close-up meeting with an African penguin – a 30-minute experience where you go behind the scenes and learn how our animal experts care for these playful birds. You’ll see the inner workings of the Penguin Pavilion exhibit firsthand, and learn how staff cares for the exhibit’s residents. Nothing’s cuter than seeing them waddle, swim, even shake their tail feathers! And you can capture this incredible moment because photos are permitted! We’ll even make sure to take a Penguin Selfie of you during the encounter!

Pricing:
$79 (Aquarium Members: $71.10)* / per person

Schedule:
Through June 30th • Friday – Monday at 11:15am
July 1 – Labor Day • Daily at 11:15am

July 1 – Labor Day • Daily at 1:15pm

This adventure must be booked 72 hours in advance.  There is a 72-hour cancellation policy, within 72 hours, no refund – Aquarium credit only. If you wish to reschedule your encounter within 72 hours of your original date, you will be subject to a $25 rescheduling fee.

*Note: General Aquarium Admission  required and cost is separate. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under 8 are not permitted and space is limited so, reservations should be made in advance.

When working with animals, they call the shots.  Each Encounter is unique and may contain different elements. Due to Avian flu outbreaks in the area, if you have any backyard poultry (chickens, ducks, or turkeys) or own other outdoor birds, we ask that you refrain from participating in the program for the health of our penguins and your birds at home.

We follow all NY State and CDC requirements with regards to Covid 19 and mask mandates. Click HERE for details.

>> Click HERE to Download the Waiver<<

*Those 8-12  years old must be accompanied by an adult. This adventure should be reserved 24 hours in advance (to ensure space). All participants must complete waiver prior to adventure. Aquarium admission is not included and is required for the adventure!

Guests will meet at the “Aquatic Adventures Meet Here” sign at the main entrance (next to Turtle Bay) at least 15 minutes prior to Encounter.