Mississippi Aquarium hosts Penguin-A-Thon
On Wednesday night, the Mississippi Aquarium hosted Penguin-A-Thon: a Facebook live fundraiser that benefits the on-campus habitat for their group of African penguins.
“African penguins are actually an endangered species, so it’s really important to try to educate everyone in the public about endangered species, and we’re going to do everything we can to help this species survive,” Mississippi Aquarium President and CEO Kurt Allen said.
Although these penguins are being housed in the area, they can only visit for specific events because they don’t have a permanent place to call home in the aquarium. Allen explained that by raising more funds, that will change.
“We’re trying to go and get over our goal so that we can build a brand new penguin habitat for everybody in Mississippi and along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast to enjoy,” Allen said. Special VIP guests were in attendance, including WXXV News 25 Chief Meteorologist Ryan Mahan. The guests did certain challenges for viewers to see, all with the goal of raising $60,000 to finally give these penguins a home.
“Well I’ve had an opportunity to meet the penguins a couple of times so far in my career, both here on the Coast and up in Hattiesburg,” Mahan said. “Now things are looking pretty good for them as far as getting a local home here. There’s 11 different penguins, and they all seem to have their very own personalities.”
One challenge that Mahan participated in ended with him getting pied in the face.
Ultimately, these lovable, feathery friends are who will benefit the most from this event.
