As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s coast, The Florida Aquarium has taken swift action to ensure the safety of its animals, including the relocation of its beloved African penguins. On October 8, aquarium crews moved nine penguins from their first-floor habitat to higher and safer ground. This critical step is necessary due to the potential for severe flooding, with predictions of up to 10 feet of storm surge expected in Downtown Tampa.
“Our animals’ safety is our top priority,” stated Roger Germann, President & CEO of The Florida Aquarium. Every precaution is taken to guarantee the well-being of the animals during extreme weather conditions like Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Preparedness: Protecting Animals from Harm
In addition to relocating the penguins, The Florida Aquarium has activated its full hurricane preparedness plan. Alongside the penguins, several other animals were moved to higher ground for protection. This included a smack of moon jellies, six snakes, three lizards, three turtles, two alligators, two toads, and even a hermit crab. All animals are being secured in safe areas, ensuring they are kept away from potential flooding and other storm-related threats.
Relocating Endangered Coral Species for Safety
The Florida Aquarium is also taking significant measures to protect its collection of endangered corals. Thousands of corals, including rare pillar and elkhorn coral, are being relocated to safer locations in Georgia, West Palm Beach, and Miami. The aquarium holds the distinction of being the only facility in the world that cares for endangered pillar coral and boasts the largest population of reproductive-size elkhorn coral.
These efforts are part of the aquarium’s long-standing mission to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure that vulnerable species are shielded from the worst of the storm.
A Safe Haven for Rescued Animals
In addition to protecting their own animals, The Florida Aquarium has opened its doors to a rescued sea turtle from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This turtle was impacted by Hurricane Helene and will now safely ride out Hurricane Milton at the aquarium’s downtown campus. This act of collaboration between Florida’s aquariums highlights the importance of teamwork in safeguarding marine life during natural disasters.
Temporary Closure of The Florida Aquarium
Due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton on the Tampa Bay area, The Florida Aquarium has announced a temporary closure. The aquarium will remain closed to the public through Friday, October 11 to ensure the safety of its animals, staff, and visitors. Guests who had purchased tickets for those dates can contact the aquarium via email at MoreInfo@FLaquarium.org or by calling (813) 273-4000 to reschedule their visits.
The current plan is to reopen the aquarium on Saturday, October 12, at 9:30 a.m., resuming normal business hours. Updates will be shared via The Florida Aquarium’s social media channels, including X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Stay Informed During the Storm
For the latest updates on The Florida Aquarium’s status during Hurricane Milton, follow their social media accounts. These platforms will provide real-time information on the reopening date, ongoing safety measures, and additional news on how the animals are faring throughout the storm. The aquarium’s dedication to protecting both marine life and their guests remains unwavering, even in the face of extreme weather.
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