The Florida Aquarium is launching its first-ever Penguin Waddle Week to spotlight efforts to protect African penguins, a critically endangered species.
During Penguin Waddle Week, which is running from 20 April, guests will see African penguins walking through the lobby daily.
The event, which coincides with World Penguin Day on 25 April, will allow guests to view the penguins up close while learning about the importance of protecting the species.
Via a press release, there are fewer than 20,000 African penguins remaining in the wild, with the species experiencing a dramatic population decline due to overfishing, habitat loss and changing ocean conditions.
In addition to the penguin waddle, which will take place every day at 2.45pm, other animals at the aquarium will appear for special encounters.
There will also be live entertainment daily, as well as costumed characters and penguin-themed stories for children.
The Florida Aquarium will be selling penguin-themed merchandise to support its conservation efforts, and its cafe will offer a special penguin-themed donut and ice cream sundae.
This event is included with general admission and highlights the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Change expansion plan, which includes a new penguin habitat due to open in 2028.
Earlier this year, the aquarium announced it would be transferring 9,000 coral babies babies born on site to its reef restoration partners across the state.
The Florida Aquarium is distributing the corals as part of Florida's Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Initiative, which aims to restore at least 25 percent of Florida's coral reef by 2050.
Images courtesy of the Florida Aquarium
