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News from The Florida Aquarium
May 1, 2025
The Florida Aquarium Celebrates 30 Years and its Legendary Animal Residents
TAMPA, FL (May 1, 2025) – They’ve been here since flip phones were cutting-edge, Toy Story hit theaters, and Tampa’s skyline was just starting to grow. Now, three decades later, a special crew of longtime animals are still captivating guests at The Florida Aquarium. As the Aquarium celebrates 30 years of marine conservation leadership, engaging…
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September 15, 2025
The Florida Aquarium and IUCN SSC Launch World’s First Center for Species Survival on Coral Conservation
The Florida Aquarium, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) and its Coral Specialist Group (CSG), has established the world’s first global hub for the Center for Species Survival (CSS) focused on coral conservation.
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September 15, 2025
Tampa Makes a Splash for the AZA Annual Conference
Downtown Tampa is taking on a new look this week as the city welcomes nearly 3,000 zoo and aquarium professionals for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Annual Conference—the largest AZA gathering in history. People stopping to snap a photo at the iconic Tampa sign on Water Street near The Florida Aquarium will see...
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September 3, 2025
Spawning Hope: The Florida Aquarium Helps Rebuild the Reef with Thousands of New Coral Babies
A coral baby boom is underway at The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach, where biologists are spawning thousands of new symmetrical brain coral and boulder brain coral—critical to the future of Florida’s Coral Reef.
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August 28, 2025
85-Year-Old Volunteer Celebrates Her Last Dive at The Florida Aquarium After 30 Years of Service
Most people celebrate their 85th birthday with cake and candles. Lillian Kenney decided to mark hers underwater. On her milestone birthday, Kenney completed her 1,980th and last dive at The Florida Aquarium, closing out three decades of being a dedicated volunteer. Kenney started at the Aquarium in 1995, the same year it opened, and has...
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August 12, 2025
As Kids Get Back-to-School Checkups, Their Stuffed Animals Can Too
As kids across Tampa Bay get their back-to-school check-ups, The Florida Aquarium is offering a playful twist on wellness – with a check-up for their favorite stuffed animals. On August 23 and 24 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., families are invited to bring their beloved plush toys to the Aquarium for the return of Cuddle...
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August 4, 2025
The Votes Are In: Meet Xochi, The Florida Aquarium’s New Axolotl Ambassador
After thousands of community votes, The Florida Aquarium is proud to announce the winning name of its newest costumed character: Xochi (pronounced so-chee)! The pink axolotl, inspired by the endangered species, now has a name that celebrates her cultural roots and vibrant personality. Xochi is short for Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-meal-koh), one of the last remaining...
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