The Florida Aquarium Debuts First-Ever Penguin Waddle Week

April 15, 2026

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The Florida Aquarium is launching its first-ever Penguin Waddle Week next week, with African penguins walking through the lobby daily as part of a weeklong effort focused on conservation of the critically endangered species.

Running April 20 through April 26, the event coincides with World Penguin Day on April 25 and features daily opportunities for guests to view African penguins up close while learning about the importance of protecting the species.

With fewer than 20,000 African penguins remaining, the species has experienced a dramatic population decline. Once numbering in the millions along Africa’s southwestern coast, their numbers have dropped significantly due to overfishing, habitat loss, and changing ocean conditions.

Earlier this year, guests enjoyed a special sight as African penguins waddled through the Aquarium during a supervised enrichment walk, a memorable moment captured in the photos and video link below. During Penguin Waddle Week, guests will have the chance to experience a similar encounter with these charismatic birds.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO AND PHOTOS
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

🐧 Daily Penguin Waddle
Each day at 2:45 p.m., African penguins will parade through the Aquarium lobby, with pre-event activities beginning at 2:30 p.m.

🦥 Up-Close Animal Encounters
Guests can meet some of the Aquarium’s most popular residents face-to-face—from Apaporis and Liana the sloths to Salvator the Asian water monitor lizard. Animal ambassadors will appear throughout the Aquarium for special pop-up encounters and photo opportunities:

• 10:30 a.m.: Monday–Wednesday & Friday–Sunday
• 11:30 a.m.: Thursday

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
Aquatunes will be performing family-friendly songs with several performances scheduled daily. Guests can also meet the Aquarium’s costumed characters, Rocky the penguin, Tango the turtle, and Xochi the axolotl.

📖 Storytime
Daily readings invite children of all ages to huddle in for adorable stories of penguin antics like Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere, Tacky the Penguin, and Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups. Storytime will be offered every morning at 10:30 a.m.

⏰ Extended Hours – More Time to Explore
To give guests more time to take part in Penguin Waddle Week festivities, The Florida Aquarium will continue its extended hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the event.

And More…

• Adopt an Animal: This special program lets guests symbolically adopt an African penguin. Proceeds from this program ensure that these incredible animals continue to thrive in the Aquarium’s care.
• Merchandise & Sweet Treats:
  • Guests can purchase penguin-themed merchandise to support conservation efforts or round up their bill at both the retail store and Café Seventy One to contribute directly to penguin conservation.
  • Additionally, Café Seventy One will offer a special penguin-themed donut and an ice cream sundae with crushed Oreos, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles during the week.
• Penguin Encounter Giveaway: Guests who attend Penguin Waddle Week and tag The Florida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium) on social media will be entered to win a four-person Ultimate Penguin Experience. The interactive encounter includes a 45-minute behind-the-scenes experience with the Aquarium’s African penguins, led by the animal care team. Guests will learn about penguin behavior, care routines, and conservation efforts.

This event is included with general admission and highlights The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Change expansion plan, which includes a new penguin habitat scheduled to break ground this fall and open in 2028.

For more information about The Florida Aquarium and the Penguin Encounter, click here.