Getting a Penguin as a Pet: Can You Do It?

They’re a ton of fun to watch and they fill you with the overwhelming desire to hold them. But you should stick to viewing these birds at the zoo and in nature documentaries. The reality of keeping penguins as pets is that it’s not feasible, and it’s certainly not legal. So, put on Happy Feet to get your fix of penguins, because you won’t be keeping one as a pet anytime soon. There are many exotic animals that are perfectly legal to keep as pets in the United States. Granted, some of these animals will require you to get permits and prove you have proper accommodations for them.

• Most penguin species are endangered and are illegal to purchase or keep as pets in the United States.
• Ideally, penguins love being in groups of about twenty, but buying two or three the first time around would do just fine.
• Five species are Vulnerable, five species are Endangered, and three species are Near Threatened.
• Furthermore, laws regarding the sale, possession, and purchase of exotic animals differ from state to state.
• The penguin doesn’t meet the criteria for an easily domesticated animal.

Even if you live in Alaska, where the climate would be conducive to these cold climate birds, it is still illegal to have a penguin as a pet. But, that does not mean there aren’t penguins in captivity. In other words, if you run a zoo facility or a wildlife refuge, then yes – you can have penguins on site. Even if you could keep penguins as pets, it would be insanely difficult for many reasons.

Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse

Depending on the organization you choose, the help you can provide will vary. In some cases, you might finance cleaning up oil spills that endanger not only them but also other seabirds. Even if you did establish a wildlife sanctuary and desired to buy and own a penguin as a pet, there are many government loopholes you would have to jump through. Second, because these birds are on the endangered species list, the USDA would only allow you to keep one whose mother was in captivity already. So, while many other exotic animals not native or indigenous to America are legal as pets, penguins are not one. On the other hand, chimpanzees, Bearded dragons, Wallaby (mini Kangaroo), and even hedgehogs are considered legal pets in some US states.

However, if you truly want to help, you will not choose the organization based on the benefits you would get. You will make your decision based on what you can do to help. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.

Emperor Penguin Adoption Kit

The king and emperor penguins lay only one egg while all other penguin species lay two eggs. As mentioned, penguins will need to be in groups to live a natural, healthy lifestyle. Penguins are used to living in cold environments, and that’s why they need really low temperatures to survive out of their natural environment.

The penguin — an aquatic, flightless bird, highly adapted to life in the water — has a distinct tuxedo-like appearance, known as countershading. This is a form of camouflage which helps keep them safe inside the water. Penguins do possess wing-bones, even though they are flipper-like and really suited to swimming. I got interested in penguins from a young age and as I grew I realized that penguins are such fascinating birds. I made it a mission to create a website where all information about penguins could be accessed in an easy to read format. Transporting a penguin to a vet’s clinic or getting a vet to examine a penguin at your house might add to the expenses.

#6. They Are a Terrible Choice for a Petting Zoo

Donating to zoos for penguin adoption is also a great way to spread useful knowledge about these wonderful birds. Also, the penguin must be born in captivity, and it should not be a penguin that has been isolated from its natural habitat. As penguins fall under protected species, you cannot simply go to a pet shop to buy a penguin. This overnight provides you access to the entire aquarium for a “feather-filled” night. Sleep right next to the penguins and watch them waking up in the morning. After Breakfast you will meet and touch one of the birds.

• Explore our exciting and educational exhibits that are designed to be fun for the whole family.
• Let’s just say the chances of owning a penguin as a pet is extremely slim.
• Every donation helps save endangered wildlife, protect fragile ecosystems, and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

The laws regarding penguins are far stricter than with other exotic animals, not just in the US, but in the entire world. Suffice to say that penguins are definitely illegal to keep as pets in America. Most of the time, educational materials, books, and other freebies are given in the process of adopting a penguin. At times, the thank-you package includes a private visit to the organization’s facilities and getting to know your penguin. When the donation is quite big, the benefactors even get a special treat. They get a chance to take part in the release of a penguin into the wild.

Can you buy penguins on-line through the penguinwarehouse.com web site?

By now, you’ve hopefully come to terms with the fact that you cannot keep a penguin as a pet. When you decide to sponsor a penguin instead, however, the organization you choose will make sure to acknowledge your efforts. Depending on what you decide to do, the benefits you receive from the adoption will vary. Did you know that you can sponsor a penguin through a wildlife preservation organization? On the off-chance that you are not the owner of a prosperous zoo, this is as close to having a penguin as a pet as you can get.

When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. In all instances, penguins have essentially retained How to buy a penguin the same coloration, having dark backs and pale bellies. Unfortunately, you will not see penguins for sale on this or any other website.

Penguins For Sale

Granted, you will not be able to take yours home and take care of it, but you will affect its life and help the preservation of the species. One penguin can set you back by anywhere between $1,000 and $22,000 per bird, the price depending on its species, age, and sex. Given that you will need at least two (and preferably more), that’s an expense of $2,000 minimum right off the bat. Ideally, penguins love being in groups of about twenty, but buying two or three the first time around would do just fine. Just keep in mind that penguins are monogamous, so if you are buying two, make sure one is male and one female. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you are not just a random person who wants to own a penguin as a pet.