Animal Guide

Gentoo Penguin

14 destinations · 11 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.

Gentoo Penguin

Where to see Gentoo Penguin

14 destinations across 11 states

14 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

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha, NE

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh, PA

Saint Louis Zoo

St. Louis, MO

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

SeaWorld San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

SeaWorld San Diego

San Diego, CA

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Springfield, MO

Your ZooHopper Passport

Turn your wildlife adventures into a Passport

Keep track of the zoos, aquariums, safari parks, and wildlife destinations you've visited—and save the places you want to explore next.

Remember every visit
Build your wishlist
Collect Passport Stamps
Share photos & contribute

Create Your Passport

Dan's Passport

Places: 12
States: 6
Wishlist: 9

Passport stamps

Recently visited

Bronx ZooBronx, NY
Georgia AquariumAtlanta, GA
San Diego Zoo Safari ParkEscondido, CA

MY WISHLIST

Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey, CA