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Polar Penguins

The world's fastest penguins

at Dingle Oceanworld!

Venture into the icy realms of Antarctica and encounter our fascinating gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua). Recognisable by the distinctive white patches above their eyes and their vibrant orange beaks, these penguins are superbly adapted to life in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Each penguin in our waddle—a charming term for a group of penguins—can be identified by a unique colour-coded wingband, making it easy to spot them.

Meet our waddle

In 2011, we welcomed our first group of gentoo penguins from France. Since then, they’ve formed a close-knit and lively waddle! Over the years, we’ve had new additions to the colony, including some penguins hatched right here in Dingle.

In 2011, we welcomed our first group of gentoo penguins from France. Since then, they’ve formed a close-knit and lively waddle! Over the years, we’ve had new additions to the colony, including some penguins hatched right here in Dingle. Each has its own unique personality, from the playful and curious to the more reserved members of the group. These birds have become an integral part of our aquarium, charming both staff and visitors with their fascinating behaviours and personalities. Want to know more?

Discover their personalities and stories in our blog!

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Enriching Penguin Lives

To ensure the well-being of our penguins, we implement a comprehensive enrichment program designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities, mimicking the challenges they would face in the wild.

To ensure the well-being of our penguins, we implement a comprehensive enrichment program designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities, mimicking the challenges they would face in the wild.
Penguin Art: Our penguins engage in creating art by stepping through non-toxic paint onto canvases. This activity not only stimulates their curiosity but also allows us to study their movement and interaction with new stimuli. Their artwork is available for purchase with all proceeds going directly toward animal care and conservation. Browse our online Gift Shop!
Toys and Sensory Stimulation: Penguins explore a variety of bright, reflective toys that encourage social interaction and mental engagement, promoting healthy behaviours.
Food-Based Enrichment: We challenge their problem-solving skills through food-based activities that simulate hunting and foraging, helping them maintain their natural instincts while ensuring a balanced diet.

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Dive into the Lives of Gentoo Penguins

Our gentoo penguins offer fascinating insights into the unique behaviours that help them thrive in the harsh Antarctic environment.

Our gentoo penguins offer fascinating insights into the unique behaviours that help them thrive in the harsh Antarctic environment.

Courtship and Mating Rituals

Gentoo penguins engage in beautiful courtship rituals, including vocal displays and pebble “gift-giving” to their mates. This behaviour helps strengthen bonds and is key to their reproductive success.

Shared Parenting

Gentoos are committed parents, with both male and female sharing responsibilities. They take turns incubating eggs and feeding their chicks, enhancing the survival of their young in the challenging Antarctic conditions. In our exhibit, you can watch these nurturing behaviours firsthand.

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Get to Know Our Penguins

Discover More

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Aquarist Talks

Want to know more about the fascinating species at Oceanworld? Join our expert Aquarists for daily talks and feeding sessions, where you'll learn all about their habits and conservation stories.

Download Timetable
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Adopt a Penguin!

Personalised adoption packs are available for all of our gentoos. These make great gifts, with all proceeds going directly toward animal care and conservation!

Adopt now