Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
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African Penguins

Explore the world of this playful colony of African Penguins!

Come face-to-face with the African penguin colony at Penguin Point.

Compared to their Antarctic counterparts, the climate here at Busch Gardens is perfect for these feathered friends. African Penguins thrive in warmer weather and water temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees. Check them out waddling around the shore or watch as they dive into the continuously chilled 65-degree waters of their habitat.


From the rocky shores of southern Africa, these penguins spend their nights on the beach and their days hunting prey in the wavy waters of the south Atlantic. These penguins have up to 100 feathers per square inch to help protect them from the harsh elements. Pink patches of skin around their eyes help them regulate their body temperature between the warmer air and cooler water.


In the wild, they can be found swimming at speeds more than 12 mph and diving up to 400 ft. to catch their prey: small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Penguins generally live on islands and remote continental regions free from land predators, where their inability to fly is not detrimental to their survival.


Location: Penguin Point in Nairobi

Photos of Penguins

Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Ask an Educator about Penguins

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Where do African penguins live in the wild?

African penguins are found on the southwestern coast of Africa.

Why aren’t these penguins too hot in the Florida sun?

Busch Gardens’ colony of penguins are a temperate weather penguin from southern Africa where they thrive warmer air temperatures and enjoy water temperatures from 40 to 70 degrees.

Why are penguins black and white?

The black and white coloration is called countershading and helps to camouflage them from predators.

  • Penguin Insider Tour

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    Join our warm weather penguins and their trainers behind-the-scenes to get an insider look into a day in the life of an African Penguin.

    • 30 minute walking tour
    • Get up-close to penguins
    • Must be ages 5 & up to participate
    Get up-close and personal with our African Penguins at Penguin Point. Discover what it’s like to care for such a unique bird and learn how our parks help protect this endangered species in the wild.

    Things to know before you go:
    • Children must be ages 5 and up to participate. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

    Pass Members save 10% on this experience. Please log in to see discounted pricing. 


    The Penguin Insider Tour is subject to availability. Limited quantities are available each day. If you would like to book a tour more than six months out or for a date not listed, call (813)884-4FUN(4386) to make your reservation.

    Park admission is not included and is required. Prices listed are per person and do not include tax. Tours must be cancelled a minimum of 24 hours in advance or total payment is forfeited. Tours are non-refundable if guests miss their tour time. If you have any questions or need to adjust your reservation, call (813)884-4FUN(4386). All tours are subject to availability. Animal interactions and program components may vary. All tour components and pricing are subject to change.  
    Get up-close to penguins
    Guest (ages 5+) $29.00 /ea.

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