Latest news with #Archi
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Penguins come to the Capitol
Archibold is an African penguin brought to the Capitol to bring attention to a budget appropriation for the Florida Aquarium on April 9, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) State lawmakers have placed thousands of appropriations in the respective House and Senate proposed budgets this year in Tallahassee — so how to get some attention for one particular project? Bring penguins. That's what the staff at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa did Wednesday, bringing four penguins to the Capitol for lawmakers, staff, and reporters to get a glimpse of. It brought attention to the budget appropriation made by Tampa Republican Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman in the House and Tampa Bay-area Republican Danny Burgess in the Senate for $1 million for the aquarium's storm and flood protection project, which is designed to provide total perimeter protection for animal habitats and life-support systems against wind and flood damage. 'Because we are building and investing in this large outdoor habitat, for not only our African penguins but we'll have California sea lions out there as well, with all the recent impacts from the hurricanes that we had this past fall, we're really looking forward to being able to have a more resilient outdoor space, so we're seeking funding for a seawall that will protect us during those times,' said Emily Vazir, development coordinator at the Florida Aquarium. That project is just part of the $45 million expansion that the aquarium has been working on since 2023 and expects to complete in 2026. Archibold, or Archi, was on display at Senate Majority Leader Jim Byrd's office on Wednesday. At 4 years old, Archi is the youngest penguin in the aquarium colony, according to Vazir. There are nine at the facility. Three other penguins accompanied Archi in making the visit to the Capitol. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Aquarium penguins waddle into funding talks at state Capitol
Four penguins waddled their way around the Capitol on Wednesday morning. Archi, Enzi, Nuri and Dassen are African penguins who came to spark discussions with legislators and make a statement. The penguins fluffed their tuxedo feathers, having travelled from the Florida Aquarium in Tampa to highlight the need for critical funding to protect the aquarium and the thousands of sea creatures and others that call it home. Last year's hurricane season brought high flood waters that reached the doors of the aquarium — forcing staff to move many animals, including the penguins, to higher ground. Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused record-breaking storm surges that threatened the well-being of the aquatic life. The Florida Aquarium is asking for state funds to be used to build flood barrier walls as well as to renovate the exterior entrances to protect animals and critical life support systems from wind and flood damages. The building is city-owned and plays a key role as an economic driver for the Tampa Bay region. The Florida Aquarium is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It has been in operation since 1995 and welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually. It's a world-renowned leader in groundbreaking research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida's coral reefs and sea turtle populations. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Aquarium penguins make splashy case for hurricane help
