As #HurricaneMilton approaches Florida’s coast, The Florida Aquarium is taking proactive measures to safeguard its animals, including relocating its beloved African penguins to safety.
This morning, the Aquarium crews carefully helped nine penguins move from their habitat on the first floor to higher, safer ground. This precautionary step is essential to protect the animals from the possibility of severe flooding at the Aquarium, with upwards of 10’ of storm surge currently predicted in Downtown Tampa. Beyond the penguins, The Florida Aquarium is implementing a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan. Several other animals were moved today, including a smack of moon jellies, six snakes, three lizards, 3 turtles, two alligators, 2 toads and a hermit crab.
Thousands of corals under the Aquarium’s care, including endangered pillar and elkhorn coral, are being transported to safer locations in Georgia, West Palm Beach, and Miami. The Florida Aquarium is the only facility worldwide that cares for endangered pillar coral and holds the largest population of reproductive-size elkhorn coral.
In addition to coral relocation, the Aquarium has also taken in a rescued sea turtle from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The turtle will now weather the storm safely at The Florida Aquarium’s downtown campus. “The safety of our animals is our top priority,” said The Florida Aquarium President & CEO Roger Germann. “And we take every precaution to ensure their well-being during extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton.”
Closure of The Florida Aquarium
Due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton on the Tampa Bay area:
The Aquarium will be closed to the public on Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11. Guests who purchased tickets for those days can email MoreInfo@FLaquarium.org or call (813) 273-4000 to reschedule the visit.
The plan at this point is to reopen on Saturday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m., resuming normal business hours. Stay tuned to The Florida Aquarium’s social media channels for any additional updates: X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
