A Black-Tie Affair

Four African penguins — Pebbles, Archie, Nuru and Enzi, respectively — and a few team members from The Florida Aquarium traveled from Tampa to the Florida Capitol on Tuesday to rub elbows and flippers with senators, representatives and other visitors. 

The penguins began their tour of the capital city on Feb. 19 at Poco Vino for Penguins & Pinot, a reception with snacks and wine where people could learn more about the penguins up close. They stopped by the Capitol building the following day with a schedule rivaling an elected official’s. From walking around the 4th floor and meeting members to photoshoots with legislative staff, the penguins were busy. But they were a big hit with politicians and visitors alike. 

Meeting with these pint-sized Tampa natives is a bright spot on the day.

The Florida Aquarium is a client of RSA Consulting, a lobbying firm based in Tampa. RSA worked with the aquarium team to coordinate the trip to Tallahassee, which brings awareness and advocacy for the aquarium’s expansion project set to happen later this year. The project will allow the aquarium to double its gallery space and welcome more African penguins, California Sea Lions and a Puffin enclosure. 

Last year, the Florida Aquarium had over 1,000,000 visitors and continued its mission of engaging in conservation, research, education and outreach to Florida communities. If you are ever in the Tampa Bay Area, stop in and see Pebbles, his penguin friends and the new animals coming to join them. For more information or to buy tickets, you can visit https://www.flaquarium.org/.