Penguin Walk Update

The 12th annual Penguin Walk, presented by WestJet, has come to an early end. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to conclude the walk for this year, prioritizing the comfort and happiness of our feathered friends.

Many factors go into our decision of when to end the Penguin Walk. While it typically ends in mid-March, the actual end date can fluctuate slightly from year to year due to weather conditions and bird participation:

• The Penguin Walk operates within strict weather parameters to ensure the safety and comfort of the king penguins during the walk. This year, our teams had to contend with variable weather conditions throughout January and February which caused a series of cancellations.
• The walk is also dependent on the birds’ participation – it is a free choice, winter enrichment activity that we’re thrilled to offer the colony each year. While naturally curious and inclined to partake in the winter walk, the kings have recently chosen to stay in their outdoor habitat on multiple occasions, possibly influenced by nearby construction activity, suggesting a current preference for familiar surroundings.

Penguin Plunge (indoor) will remain closed until May 16, 2024, as we undertake essential upgrades to the building’s mechanical system. But not to fret! Visitors may still catch glimpses of the penguins in their outdoor habitat during this time (weather permitting).

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the waddle! Your visits help to provide exceptional care to the animals we love here on zoo grounds while supporting the critical conservation work that we do, locally and globally, to help save species at risk. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Penguin Walk next year!