Zoos
Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove
📍 2262-2332 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614🌐 www.lpzoo.org/exhibits/robert-and-mayari-pritzker-penguin-cove
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove
Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove is a zoo in Chicago, IL. The penguin habitat is inspired by Boulders Beach near Cape Town, South Africa, featuring authentic design elements including a pool, burrow-like nest boxes, and rocky outcrops that replicate the African Penguin's natural environment. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Highlights
- African Penguin Cove with pool and rocky habitat
- Inspiration
- Designed after Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
- Best For
- All ages
💡 Did You Know?
- The penguin habitat is inspired by Boulders Beach near Cape Town, South Africa, featuring authentic design elements including a pool, burrow-like nest boxes, and rocky outcrops that replicate the African Penguin's natural environment
- The zoo offers a Malott Family Penguin Encounter program that provides an hour-long interactive experience including behind-the-scenes kitchen access, keeper meetings, and direct interaction with African Penguins
- The facility implements a progressive animal welfare approach by providing penguins with choice to spend time in areas out of public view, allowing animals to control their exposure and reduce stress
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book the Malott Family Penguin Encounter for an up-close experience - it includes a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, keeper meet-and-greet, and direct penguin interaction that regular visitors don't get, making it worth the premium price
- Attend keeper demonstrations and talks when available - they explain how penguins are kept mentally engaged and provide context for penguin behavior, significantly enhancing understanding of the exhibit
- Visit during cooler weather (morning hours or fall/winter) when penguins are more likely to be visible and active in the water, as heat causes them to stay in indoor areas out of public view
- For young children, position yourself at water level viewing areas rather than elevated ground areas - penguins are easier to see when they're swimming, and the shaded pavilion provides comfortable positioning for viewing the water habitat
- Understand that penguins may not be visible at any given time as the zoo intentionally provides them choice to use private areas for animal welfare - plan the visit with flexibility and focus on keeper talks rather than guaranteed penguin sightings
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