Penguin chicks to “march” through San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Making their public debut in red carpet style, two Magellanic penguin chicks will waddle through San Francisco Zoo & Gardens to join the rest of the colony at Penguin Island during “March of the Penguins” on Saturday, July 30 at 10:15 am.

With much pomp and circumstance, this ceremony celebrates the two-month-old chicks' graduation from “Fish School” where they lose their fluffy down, learn to swim and accept food from their human keepers. With hundreds of SF Zoo Members and visitors watching their every waddle, the penguins make their way around the exhibit before diving into the pool and embarking on a new adventure on Penguin Island.

SF Zoo Members will have the opportunity to submit name suggestions and one name will be drawn just prior to the ceremonial march. San Francisco Zoo maintains the largest and most successful breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in captivity, having fledged more than 200 chicks since 1985.

Event Details

What: March of the Penguins
Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, 1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132 - park in the main lot and meet at the front entrance for transportation to exhibit
When: Saturday, July 30 9:30-10:15 am

Note: the march is very quick and only happens one time, so please arrive early to allow time to make your way to the exhibit

Photo: Two Magellanic penguin chicks taking their ceremonial march to Penguin Island, additional educational exhibits and crafts for kids on site