Discover the Emperor Penguins at SeaWorld Orlando: A Unique Experience Awaits

Meet the Emperors: SeaWorld Orlando Welcomes Emperor Penguins

SeaWorld Orlando is stepping into the spotlight this summer, as it prepares to make history by introducing the Emperor penguins, the largest and most iconic species of penguins globally. From June 14, 2025, visitors to the park will have the unique opportunity to see these extraordinary birds up close at the Antarctica Realm, the sole location in the Western Hemisphere to offer this experience.

Exclusive Early Access for Annual Pass Members

Before the official public debut, SeaWorld Annual Pass members will be granted exclusive early access to the Emperor penguin habitat on June 12 and 13. This sneak peek allows dedicated fans of marine wildlife to connect with these powerful birds before they greet the general public.

Meet the Emperor Penguins

Originating from the freezing expanse of Antarctica, Emperor penguins possess dense feathers and remarkable swimming proficiency, allowing them to plunge deeper than any other bird species. The park has meticulously enhanced the Antarctica Realm to suit the specific environmental preferences of these agile animals. This includes setting the area’s temperature to a chilly 28°F and replicating the natural light cycles found in their native habitat. The Emperor penguins making their debut in Orlando have been relocated from SeaWorld San Diego, a facility renowned for its longstanding commitment to the care and breeding of this extraordinary species since the early 1980s.

A Message from SeaWorld

"This is an exceptionally rare and exhilarating chance for our guests to engage with one of nature's most remarkable species," stated Jon Peterson, the Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. "We take immense pride in continuing SeaWorld's tradition of penguin care and conservation, while providing our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to connect with these majestic animals in unforgettable ways."

Art Takes Center Stage in Orlando

In a fun initiative to commemorate the arrival of these Antarctic icons, SeaWorld Orlando has collaborated with the Creative City Project to introduce 'Big City Penguins', a whimsical art installation featuring three towering Emperor penguins displayed throughout Downtown Orlando. This temporary exhibit will be available until June 19, providing an exciting photo opportunity for both locals and tourists. Visitors are encouraged to snap selfies with the colorful installations and share them on social media in anticipation of meeting the real Emperor penguins at SeaWorld.

Fun Facts About Emperor Penguins

Emperor penguins stand as the tallest among their peers, measuring up to 44 inches tall, and typically weighing between 60 to 90 pounds. They have a significant lifespan, living 20 to 25 years in the wild and up to 50 years in human care. As a circumpolar species, they extensively inhabit the Antarctic continent. Importantly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as near threatened, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

Unique Breeding Habits

Unlike most birds, Emperor penguins do not construct nests; instead, the males incubate their single egg atop their feet, beneath a protective skin flap. During the incubation period, males undergo fasting, losing up to 45% of their body weight. Remarkably, they are the only penguin species that chooses to breed during the harsh Antarctic winter. These birds can swim at speeds of up to 8.9 mph and walk or toboggan at around 1.7 mph.

SeaWorld San Diego holds the prestigious title of being the first zoological facility to successfully breed Emperor penguins outside of Antarctica, with over 20 individuals having been hatched and raised since this groundbreaking achievement began in 1980.

SeaWorld’s Commitment to Conservation

SeaWorld Orlando is fully dedicated to the care and protection of penguins and their environments. It is recognized as a Humane Certified organization by American Humane and is accredited by both the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As part of its conservation commitment, SeaWorld supports a variety of habitat protection measures and engages in breeding programs to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Join the Fun at SeaWorld

For those eager to experience the Emperor penguins in person, the best option is to become a SeaWorld Annual Pass member. Annual Pass holders gain exclusive early access to the penguin habitat and receive unlimited visits throughout the year, along with several other benefits. Membership starts as low as $14 per month, offering more than $3,300 in perks annually, including free parking, guest tickets, special event invitations, and discounts on food and merchandise.

SeaWorld Annual Passes are available now. To learn more and to register for an exhilarating year, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.