Tautphaus Park: Meet The Penguins

For zoo lovers it’s always a battle to get as close to the animals as possible. But now you actually have a chance to meet your favorite flightless birds at Tautphaus Park’s new Penguin Interaction Program.

The brand-new pavilion at the Tautphaus Park Zoo will host the program, where folks have the chance to meet the zoo’s African penguins and their handlers.

Meta Schmitz has been an animal handler at the zoo for a year now and lights up whenever the penguins are around.

“It’s amazing,” said Schmitz. “It’s like working with a bunch of kindergartners that don’t talk back.”

And like kindergartners, each one has its own unique charm.

“I think that their individual personalities will really surprise people,” said Schmitz.

Plus, your adventure with the penguins will help out their relatives back in Africa. A portion of money from every ticket goes toward supporting penguin conservation.

The Penguin Interaction Program kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m. and will take place every weekend and holiday.

Tickets are available in the gift shop.

Tickets for kids 4-12 years old cost $10, adults 13 and up pay $20. Kids under 4 are not allowed in the program due to safety reasons.

There is a discount for groups of six or more.