I have never touched a penguin, but I would welcome the opportunity. Though I have seen them behind glass before at zoos and aquariums, it would be great to be able to see them up close.

In fact, I recently found out that the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut (and I live in Connecticut) has a penguin encounter program where visitors can see one of their African penguins up close. I believe also that you can touch it. Although this special program costs $79, it comes with free admission; when you weigh the fact that general aquarium admission alone is $26, it’s really like only $53 more to have the opportunity to encounter with a penguin. On an unrelated note, they also have a beluga whale encounter program ($159) which I’d also like to do someday.

I found a YouTube video of one of Mystic Aquarium’s penguin encounters and decided to add it to this Fanpop spot. You can view it here: link

Further information about Mystic Aquarium’s encounter programs can be seen on the aquarium’s website: link

I've been tempted to reach over the glass wall and pet one, but I don't feel like getting kicked out of a zoo. I hope that one day I will be able to pet one though. Man I'd probably do it for $53 and I love beluga whales so that would be really cool too.

I have already petted several of penguins and I REALLY enjoyed it! They feel like dogs but they have feathers!

they are wild animals,and should stay there.i dont want to lock it down and leave him in a cage,when he can be in antartica,doing whatever he wants.i dont want to take his freedom away.

I absolutely agree with you princesskiara7

Absolutely! Unless they hurt me...

Yes! Who wouldn't what to pet a penguin?

My dad owns a zoo and I help feed the birds. I LOVE penguins, and that's how I grew to love them!

I LOVE PENGUINS!!!

I think it would be fun to pet one or even get close. I'm an animal lover so getting close to one of these cuties, especially a Gentoo would be awesome! Most animals like me and I think a penguin would.