Waddle Away the Winter Blues: Dublin Zoo Golden Ticket competition

One lucky visitor will be in with a chance to win a lifetime pass to Dublin Zoo

 

Ahead of Penguin Awareness Day on Tuesday, 20^th January, Dublin Zoo has announced Winter Waddle Week. Inspired by one of the Zoo’s most adored residents, the penguins, collectively known as a ‘waddle’ when they walk together on land, the initiative will see one lucky visitor winning a lifetime pass to Dublin Zoo (terms and conditions apply*).

Running from (Blue!) Monday, 19th January to Sunday, 25th January, Winter Waddle Week invites visitors to get few extra steps in and soak up some much-needed joy along the way, as studies consistently show that spending time around animals and in nature can boost mood and overall wellbeing.

Penguins have a unique ability to make people smile, and here are some fun facts about Dublin Zoo’s 22-strong Humboldt penguin waddle:

• The waddle includes beloved pairs such as Joey and Monica, proud parents to Rachel the chick, Belle and Cube and Patrick and Houdini, who welcomed penguin chicks in 2025.
• Houdini got her name thanks to her knack for escaping her former habitat.
• Some of the penguins are shy and quiet, while others are a bit cheekier, often pecking at the keepers’ legs just for fun!
• Kelly, the oldest penguin, is very outgoing and when she decides it’s time for a plunge, the rest of the waddle is quick to follow.
• Once penguins are in the water, the collective noun changes from a waddle to a raft.
• Each penguin sports a unique pattern of black chest spots, making them individually recognisable to Dublin Zoo’s animal care team.

The Humboldt penguin is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, specifically from industrial fishing activities that reduce the penguins’ main food source. Other threats include penguins getting caught or harmed by fishing nets, rats in their wild habitats reducing chick populations and oil spills.

As well as supporting population growth through their own breeding programme, Dublin Zoo provides funding for Humboldt penguin conservation through Sphenisco, a non-profit organisation which works with scientists and activists in Chile and Peru to save the Humboldt penguin from extinction.

Competition Details

From 19^th – 25^th January, upon entering Dublin Zoo, visitors will receive an entry form to fill out and submit to the Golden Ticket Entry Box located inside the Zoo entrance gate. Once the entry form has been submitted, they will be in with a chance of winning a lifetime pass to Dublin Zoo!

*Terms and conditions:

Entrants to this competition must be 18 years old or over.  This competition will run from 9.30am on Monday, 19th January and will close at 6pm on Sunday, 25th January. All correct entries will be entered into a draw and the winner will be chosen at random by a member of the Dublin Zoo team in the presence of an independent observer. One winner will be selected, they will be notified via email and/or telephone. By entering this competition, you acknowledge that Dublin Zoo will process your personal data for the purpose of administering this competition. For full terms and conditions please visit Golden Ticket Competition T&Cs – Dublin Zoo