Polk Penguin Conservation Center image

Polk Penguin Conservation Center

Tourist attraction Aquarium

One of the Best Places To Visits in Royal Oak


Address

Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States

Website

penguins.detroitzoo.org

Contact

+1 248-541-5717

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (603 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: penguins (36) exhibit (24) penguin (13) time (12) Great (11) view (9) nice (9) cool (9) great (8) loved (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Pa H. 10 months ago on Google • 913 reviews
    My best experience of the pegiun exhibition. They have an underground walkway, and you can see the penguins under water.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suzanne L. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the new penguin exhibit. Interactive and great viewing areas for families.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali H. 7 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    I absolutely luv penguins!!! This was the first time I have seen the new penguin exhibit since it opened. Beautiful, and many different information facts throughout. ♥️🐧♥️🐧
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna J. 9 months ago on Google • 412 reviews
    Fun! This takes you to the basement, where you can view the tanks for the penguins. It was neat to see them swimming. The basement exhibit was nice and a little cold on a hot day, which felt great!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah M. 1 year ago on Google
    360 degree opportunity, or at least it seemed that way, chance to see the penguins. above them, below them, right up close to them.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian D. 1 year ago on Google • 348 reviews
    January 2023 - kids had a good time coming in the winter. Penguins gave us a good show while watching them under the water. The boat you walk on is really cool.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel O. 1 year ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Best exhibit in the whole zoo. Multiple ways to view the penguins, really cool ship simulation going down to the lower level, lots of information displayed everywhere! Very impressed!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sukumar s. 5 years ago on Google
    It’s great place to visit. As claimed it’s one of the largest penguin conservation centre in world. Very nicely maintained & presented. Could observe oldest penguin in centre 35 years old, breeding season area in centre. Nice underwater tunnels to observe penguin. Nice stares to give you experience of going through sea full of glaciers. Must visit place in Detroit zoo.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ed a. 1 year ago on Google • 157 reviews
    Life-long Zoo goer, first time visiting the new Polk Penguin Conservation Center and LOVED it! From the ramped descent to beneath the tanks, the walls are lit up with glorious imagery down to an educational photo display before venturing off to witness the penguins and others' enjoyment of them. BRAVO! Quite the very lovely addition to a beloved zoo.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asha H. 1 year ago on Google
    I haven't seen the penguin since I was a child but it was never this magical.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Loretta D. 1 year ago on Google
    Most amazing penguin exhibit. You view the several species of penguins from water level and below the surface in a clear tunnel. There is also an exhibit explaining the failed Shackleton expedition.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PAUL R. 4 months ago on Google • 551 reviews
    Absolutely loved it. Super fun exhibit to watch the penguins walk, waddle, swim, play, and eat. Try to plan your visit when they are feeding the penguins. Its educational and comedic at the same time! The Zoo staff come out with their buckets of fish to feed these hungry birds. Like a human family, there are the greedy ones, and those who may not be as hungry.

  • 5/5 Karen A. 4 years ago on Google
    We ti.ed it just right it was feeding time and it was so neat to watch. My grandson loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison P. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing! Knowledgeable staff, great views of the penguins above and below the water. They are building nests at this time of year and they are provided with pebbles to collect for that purpose. It's wonderful to see them carrying the pebbles around in their beaks!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nand Kishore G. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most sort after attractions in the zoo. Got to see the feeding session too 😁!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Parker 1 year ago on Google
    This is my happy place. The tunnel underneath the penguins is amazing and relaxing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natrada F. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place!! It was fun to watch them interacting and moving around each other. There were a lot of different places inside the building to views the penguins above and below the water.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ILP 5 years ago on Google
    I heart the penguin exhibit. It's so good. The multi tier setup and explanation if artic life are super cool! Kids love it, adults love it! If aliens invaded, they would give it at least 3 out 5.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beth g. 9 months ago on Google • 270 reviews
    Really nice penguin exhibit. The underground tunnels to view from below are great. Lots of good info on penguins while you go through the exhibit.

  • 5/5 Geeky G. 10 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    This is the best part of the Detroit zoo. A peak into the underwater and above world of the penguins. There's little areas for kids to crawl in and get a better look at the penguins. Also, numerous facts adorn the walls. Make sure to leave plenty of time to check this place out, or hit it first, as it is near the front of the zoo.

  • 5/5 Raymond L. 8 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    The exhibit contains two walk through water tubes as well as a 15ft plexi wall that holds a floor to ceiling view, underwater, of the penguins. You can't miss this!

  • 5/5 michelle G. 2 years ago on Google
    So neat! Kids loved it!

  • 5/5 Alison J. 5 years ago on Google
    Great views of the penguins. Beautiful building. Very knowledgeable staff. Penguins are building nests out of rocks right now, which is amazing to watch.

  • 5/5 Daisy *. 1 year ago on Google
    Great for all ages! The underwater kid areas are great too!

  • 5/5 Tree B. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was amazing! Always loved it as a child and being an adult is no different 😊.

  • 5/5 Grace “Mr. Mittens” H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great time at the zoo! Amazing photos and cute penguins! They'll come out, they might be just shy!

  • 5/5 David P. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome. Worth the money to go

  • 5/5 Cindy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very pretty. Kids loved it

  • 5/5 Yuri P. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice! My daughter loved it!

  • 5/5 Jolene P. 2 years ago on Google
    So many viewing areas and over 75 penguins to watch! I'm so happy the penguin exhibit opened.

  • 5/5 Danielle M. 5 years ago on Google
    Very cool

  • 5/5 Manuela 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice and fun ...

  • 5/5 Don G. 1 year ago on Google
    There are 79 and 5 different species. Each has a name. Each has a personality. Absolute fun to be there. Also a good time to learn of Shackleton.

  • 5/5 Bob Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Great exhibit! Very entertaining! Nice place to get out of the sun's heat on a hot summer day!

  • 5/5 Deb F. 5 years ago on Google
    The penguins are the best. Could watch them all day!

  • 5/5 Timothy T. 1 year ago on Google
    Detroit Zoo. Our family enjoys going to the zoo. This is our second visit this year. Dinosauria was the best it's been since the last time we saw it.

  • 5/5 John C. 4 years ago on Google
    Stellar improvements over the old penguin house.

  • 4/5 Christopherroseanne W. 1 year ago on Google
    First exhibit went to that day.actual South pole penguins.they jump,swim out of the water so accurate and fast.l.o.l..down below in at the exhibit;the see though glass is cool!

  • 5/5 Beth 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic, informational display!! We loved it!

  • 5/5 Joni H. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful attraction. Loved the ship and being in a storm (film). The penguins looked healthy and happy.

  • 5/5 Shannon R. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely area to view penguins! Great experience here!

  • 5/5 John Tusset J. 11 months ago on Google
    This may be the coolest attraction the Detroit Zoo has to offer. The penguins are as amazing as the view is from the simulated ship. The staff is courteous, well informed, and the exhibit is a wealth of knowledge !

  • 5/5 Sherri V. 1 year ago on Google
    If you can, plan to spend some time reading about the history inside the trip down to see the penguins. Little ones might be overwhelmed by the storm footage on the ramp downstairs. Enjoyed the exhibit

  • 5/5 Penny H. 10 months ago on Google
    Senior Day at Detroit Zoo Beautiful day not hot Train ride was free all day some Animals participated some didn't CO-OP had gifts to take but the best part was the Penguins Aquarium. Will attend again .

  • 5/5 Deborah G. 9 months ago on Google
    The penguins are my favorite!! It is also a cool attraction on a hot day. A little break from the heat!

  • 5/5 Annette Van A. 5 years ago on Google
    So fun! There are several types of penguins in the conservatory. It was fun to watch them interacting and moving around each other. There is a tunnel to walk through that gives a great view of swimming penguins. Really enjoyed that perspective! Enjoyed the available benches there too!

  • 5/5 lashey k. 4 years ago on Google
    It was cool to see the penguins.

  • 5/5 Katt H. 4 years ago on Google
    Love it

  • 5/5 David F. 4 years ago on Google
    State of the art penguinarium!

  • 5/5 William L. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place!

  • 5/5 Delores J. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice

  • 5/5 Cody H. 4 years ago on Google
    Best exhibit at the zoo hands down.

  • 5/5 Joe K. 4 years ago on Google
    Just a great exhibit

  • 5/5 Joii H. 4 years ago on Google
    It was very cool to see the penguins interact with each other

  • 5/5 Chrystal K. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice. Great access for wheelchairs and crutches.

  • 5/5 Matthew M. 4 years ago on Google
    Perfect for the kids at any age

  • 5/5 Rob S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids!

  • 5/5 Karen L. F. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the penguins

  • 5/5 Kathleen F. 4 years ago on Google
    So much fun kids can even interact ❤

  • 5/5 Mel 4 years ago on Google
    Our favorite exhibit

  • 5/5 Andrea D. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this place so much

  • 4/5 Hardy T. 4 years ago on Google
    Must see for the kids in the Detroit Zoo.

  • 5/5 Mary Ellen H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent place. Enjoyable.

  • 5/5 Elsy R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool!!

  • 5/5 Devine T. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice display

  • 1/5 Mary M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It was closed ah that's what we went (Original) Estaba cerrado ah eso fue que fuimos

  • 4/5 randy J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great exhibit

  • 5/5 Jay S. 3 years ago on Google
    I wish I was one of those Penguins.

  • 4/5 Tonya g. 5 years ago on Google
    Had a ton of fun with all the kiddos and of course Jenifer and Sarah! Weather turned out perfect! KIDS HAD A BLAST!

  • 5/5 Barbie V. 5 years ago on Google
    LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Finally was able to visit and I didnt want to leave. Beautiful!!

  • 5/5 Adys H. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, early 2020 closed for reconstruction, but after that, must-see whenever you are nearby

  • 5/5 Yuliko A. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice experience. 4-D effects make it extra special.

  • 3/5 Robert Duncan C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's quite nice, the penguins are very well cared for. However, no Emperor Penguins, how do you have a penguin exhibit without Emperor's? Disappointing.

  • 5/5 Sarika M. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite place at the Detroit Zoo

  • 5/5 Elzbieta R. 4 years ago on Google
    Spectacular!

  • 5/5 Josephine D. 4 years ago on Google
    There were a lot of different places inside the building to view the penguins at and there was a lot of penguins present.

  • 5/5 Moustafa B. 4 years ago on Google
    Every parent should go and take their children there.

  • 4/5 Wayne S. 4 years ago on Google
    Well designed facility. Very child friendly.

  • 4/5 Zachary K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great update to the penguin exhibit!

  • 5/5 Danie M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great views of the penguins, easy to navigate with a crowd.

  • 5/5 Dennis H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great exhibit

  • 5/5 Derek 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 5/5 Ruth V. 4 years ago on Google
    My little ones loved it and we can't wait to go back

  • 5/5 Tessa h. 4 years ago on Google
    I always love going to see the penguins, today we were lucky enough to get to see feeding time.


Call +1 248-541-5717 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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