Penguin Walk returns to Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for 14th year
Posted Jan 15, 2026 8:27 am.
A fan favourite Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo tradition has returned for its 14th year — the Penguin Walk is back!
The royal procession, put on in partnership with WestJet Cargo, officially returned Jan. 11 and runs to mid-March, depending on the weather.
5 C is the cutoff on the high side for the event, while -25 C is the limit on the low end. Strong winds can also force cancellation of the walk.
When the weather cooperates, the penguins take a 20 minutes stroll daily at 10:30 a.m. starting at Penguin Plunge, traveling to the Discovery Trail Bridge, and looping back to the penguin habitat.
The zoo says the event gives patrons a rare opportunity to see the 13 king penguins up close.
“There’s something really special about watching the penguins choose to step out and explore,” said Patrick Thompson, Animal Care Manager (South America, Rainforest, Penguins). “The Penguin Walk gives guests the chance to see the birds up close and experience their personalities in action. It’s a great way to see the trust and curiosity the penguins show as they move through their environment with the people who care for them daily.”
Participation in the 584-foot stroll on the part of the penguins is voluntary, according to the zoo. The animals get to choose whether they want to join the waddle.
Members of the tuxedo include three-year-old Alfred, 23-year-old Arthur, two-year-old Augustus, five-year-old Boudicca, eight-year-old Cleopatra, 25-year-old Diana, six-year-old George, 17-year-old Grace, 27-year-old Henri, six-year-old Napoleon, 27-year-old Philippe, four-year-old Rupert, and 22-year-old Solomon.
More than 80,000 visitors have watched the Penguin Walk since 2022.
Taking in the Penguin Walk is included in the price of zoo admission.
