UConn Basketball coach Jim Calhoun takes part in a Penguin Encounter at the Aquarium.

Penguin Encounter

The African Penguin Contact Program is a 60 minute session where participants get the opportunity to interact with an actual African penguin. Guests get to take part in a 30-minute session in a classroom where they will have the opportunity to sit in a circle while a penguin walks freely around the group, providing them with a unique face-to-face penguin encounter.

While there, one of our penguin specialists will describe these remarkable birds and their care.  Participants will then have the opportunity to touch one of our penguins and listen to its heartbeat. Our penguin specialists will also educate participants on the history of the species and conservation issues affecting these animals.

Participants in the penguin contact program must be at least six years old. Cost of the program is $70 for members and $79.00 for non-members. Reservations are recommended. 

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this program and others as well go to fund our education, marine research, marine rescue and release and expeditions. For Information on Beluga or Penguin Encounter programs, call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.