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This event was something we have long wanted to do. My older daughter loves penguins and getting to see and touch one was a wonderful experience. Our guide Jason was informative and entertaining and the 30 minutes sped by. As a bonus, getting express entry to the aquarium and by-passing the 1 1/2 hour line was worth the price of the tickets alone.
The staff worked very to provide a great experience with the penguin. The information was extensive and well presented. I thought there would be more contact with the penguin but outside of some light petting by each participant, there wasn't any other contact with the little guy. It was a happy event and we learned a lot. My niece (age 6) is still talking about the experience. It is a comfortable temperature so no jackets needed, just socks to wear in the boots provided by the staff.
This was fun, however, you don't actually get to hold the penguin during the encounter. You watch a short video about the penguins at Shedd, then a trainer and penguin come in, tells you about how the penguins at Shedd are raised, trained, etc. The trainer then walks around with the penguin and you can stroke its back or tummy for about ten seconds while a photographer takes your photo. Then at the end you can take a picture standing next to the penguin. One complimentary photo of your choosing is included, however, which was nice. I think if would be neat to try out the other Behind-The-Scenes tours someday as well, if I return to Chicago to visit.
The encounter was awesome! My girlfriend and I really enjoyed it! the trainer they brought in was incredibly knowledgeable and helped to make the penguin comfortable. we had a diverse group of people and everyone seemed to enjoy the encounter. the only thing i would warn some people about is to stay away if you don't like poop, the penguins poop a lot during the encounter, but they give you boots to wear so you really wont get dirty even if you get pooped on. The encounter is a great deal because you get access to all the exhibits and tickets to the live show for only a little more than the cost of a basic ticket. You should definitely go!
Our Penguin, Olivia, was our best experience at the aquarium. Her trainer explained things so clearly and answered all of my granddaughter's questions. She hasn't stopped talking about her Penquin Encounter yet! Definitely recommended for everyone. It will make you a Penquin lover if you aren't already.
We had a great time at the Shedd Aquarium as we were in Chicago for a large company event, my wife loves penguins so we bought tickets to the penguin encounter. I was expecting to go into the penguin exhibit and be able to interact with them. Instead, we sat in a little room with about 8 other people with 1 penguin walking around with the trainer. We weren't allowed to touch the penguin and when the time came that we could pet it, it was all about 10 seconds.
Experience was ok, not enough encounter just barely get to touch the penquin. It is mostly people talking. People were nice but we had a screaming kid in our group that distracted from the experience. At the animal show we want to later in the day a kid in the audience got to pet a penquin more than we did and we were paying to do it.
The penguin encounter is a great value and experience. With your ticket you get access to all the shows and special exhibits and general admission along with the penguin encounter. However, I imagined the encounter in the penguin exhibit, feeding the penguins. In reality, they bring one penguin into a special room. There are only 8 people max per group so you get plenty of personal attention. You are allowed to pet her when instructed and that is the main contact. It is an educational, personalized experience and we really enjoyed it. Highly recommend to children and adults alike. No pictures allowed. Keepsake photo is very nice.
Very fun time! Staff made the event awesome and informational.
I purchased tickets for the Penguin Encounter for my two grandchildren. One is a boy 7 1/2 years old and a girl 4 1/2 years old. They both loved it!! They were allowed to pet the penguin's back, wing and foot. The girl bringing in the penguin did an excellent job. We saw penguin 410 - they are given numbers for names. I would recommend this as a memorable experience for any child interested in penguins.
Was a priceless family exp. That being said for the cost of it should be able to do more last longer.
My husband loves penguins, and it was an amazing experience to pet the penguin and hear all about them. The trainer was great, and its hard to explain, but worth the money
I brought two 4 year olds and I think the children should be a little older. They enjoyed it but would have liked more time with the penquin . I understand the penquin would probably not like more time with them. The boots are a huge deterant for small children.
