Derek: Nearly all Zoos and Aquaria run animal sponsorship schemes; in return for a donation (typically anything from UK£30 up to UK£300) you can "adopt" a penguin. Once you are an "adopter", most zoos will, with enough advance notice and after a nice letter, take the time to show you your adopted penguin close up. We have adopted penguins at three zoos in the UK and we have been invited inside the penguin enclosures at all three zoos!
