Animal Guide

Antarctic Gentoo Penguin

12 destinations · 10 states

Native Range: Antarctic Peninsula and subantarctic islands

Gentoo penguins are energetic birds that can make a penguin habitat feel constantly busy. Watch a group and you'll see them waddling between the water and shore, preening their feathers, calling to one another, or suddenly diving into the pool. Underwater, they are much faster and more graceful than their land movements suggest. Their flipper-like wings power them through the water while their feet help with steering, and they can leap clear of the surface as they swim. At a zoo or aquarium, look for the bright white patch above the eyes and the orange-red bill, two features that make gentoos easy to recognize. They often gather in groups, with individual birds constantly moving around and responding to their neighbors. In the wild, Antarctic gentoos are found around the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby subantarctic islands, where they feed on krill and small fish. Their mix of lively social behavior and fast underwater movement makes them especially fun to watch.

Antarctic Gentoo Penguin

Where to see Antarctic Gentoo Penguin

12 destinations across 10 states

12 destinations

Central Park Zoo

New York, NY

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT

Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee, WI

Moody Gardens

Galveston, TX

Newport Aquarium

Newport, KY

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh, PA

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Columbia, SC

Saint Louis Zoo

St. Louis, MO

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

SeaWorld San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

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