ORLANDO, FL – SeaWorld Orlando is making history this summer by becoming the only destination in the Western Hemisphere where visitors can see Emperor penguins—the largest and most iconic penguin species—up close.
Starting June 14, guests will have the opportunity to view these rare Antarctic birds inside the park’s newly enhanced Antarctica Realm. The exhibit has been specifically designed to mimic the Emperor penguins’ natural habitat, featuring reduced temperatures of around 28°F and artificial light cycles that replicate the Antarctic seasons.
Annual Pass Members will receive exclusive early access to the exhibit on June 12 and 13, providing a preview of the penguins before the public debut.
Native to Antarctica, Emperor penguins are adapted to endure extreme cold and are known for their deep diving abilities, capable of plunging farther underwater than any other bird species. The penguins arriving in Orlando have been relocated from SeaWorld San Diego, which has led global conservation and breeding efforts for the species since the early 1980s.
“This is an incredibly rare and exciting opportunity for guests to encounter one of nature’s most extraordinary species,” said Jon Peterson, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. “We’re proud to continue SeaWorld’s legacy of penguin care and conservation while giving our guests a unique chance to connect with these animals in remarkable ways.”
Emperor Penguin Highlights:
- Height: Up to 44 inches
- Weight: 60–90 pounds
- Lifespan: 20–25 years in the wild; up to 50 years in managed care
- Habitat: Exclusively found around the Antarctic continent
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Unique among penguins, Emperor penguin males incubate eggs on their feet beneath a flap of skin called a brood pouch, fasting for weeks in harsh winter conditions. They are also the only penguin species to breed during the Antarctic winter and are known for their distinctive toboggan-like movement across the ice.
SeaWorld San Diego became the first facility outside of Antarctica to successfully breed Emperor penguins in 1980. Since then, over 20 birds have been hatched and raised, including one as recently as 2023.
SeaWorld’s Conservation Focus
SeaWorld is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and is certified as humane by American Humane. The organization emphasizes its commitment to conservation and the ethical care of animals in its facilities.
Public Art Exhibit Celebrates Penguin Arrival
To mark the debut of the exhibit, SeaWorld has teamed up with Creative City Project to launch “Big City Penguins” — a large-scale public art installation featuring three towering Emperor penguins on display in downtown Orlando. The installation will be available through June 19 and is designed to build anticipation while offering locals and tourists a whimsical photo opportunity.
Guests interested in being among the first to see the Emperor penguins can purchase a SeaWorld Annual Pass, which starts at $14 per month. Pass holders receive perks including early exhibit access, free parking, guest tickets, and discounts on food and merchandise.
For more information about the new Emperor penguin exhibit or to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorld Orlando’s official website.
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