The Florida Aquarium will introduce its first Penguin Waddle Week to highlight conservation efforts for African penguins, a critically endangered species.
The event, beginning on 20 April, will feature daily appearances of African penguins walking through the aquarium’s lobby.
Scheduled to coincide with World Penguin Day on 25 April, Penguin Waddle Week will give visitors an opportunity to observe the penguins up close while learning about the importance of protecting the species.
According to a press release, fewer than 20,000 African penguins remain in the wild. The species has experienced a significant population decline due to overfishing, habitat loss, and changing ocean conditions.
In addition to the daily penguin waddle at 2:45 p.m., the aquarium will host special encounters with other animals.
The program will also include daily live entertainment, costumed characters, and penguin-themed storytelling for children.
Penguin-themed merchandise will be available for purchase to support conservation initiatives, while the aquarium’s café will offer themed items, including a penguin-inspired donut and ice cream sundae.
The event is included with general admission and forms part of the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Change expansion plan, which includes a new penguin habitat scheduled to open in 2028.
Earlier this year, the aquarium announced plans to transfer 9,000 coral offspring bred on site to reef restoration partners across the state.
The corals are being distributed under Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Initiative, which aims to restore at least 25 percent of the state’s coral reef by 2050.
