Penguins are among the most popular zoo animals, but meeting their behavioral and social needs in captivity requires substantial investment and careful attention to their colonial natures.
Penguins in good zoological facilities can achieve reasonable welfare when their social, thermal, and physical needs are met. The key welfare challenges are providing sufficient social complexity through large enough groups, maintaining appropriate water temperature and quality, and managing the foot and joint problems that arise from artificial substrates. Penguin exhibits that meet these requirements can support genuine behavioral expression and positive welfare indicators.