Penguins stop by Hancock Whitney Bank in honor of ‘Splash Bash’

It’s not every day you see a penguin in South Mississippi, but it is becoming a little bit more common.

We are just days away from the second annual ‘Splash Bash’ at the Barksdale Pavilion in Jones Park. This year will be even more exciting than last because the public will learn the aquarium’s official opening date. VP of Animal Care for the Mississippi Aquarium Ric Urban said, “The announcement will be made on Friday night. So, it will just put that little added pressure on everyone as we build up the excitement for this aquarium.”

In anticipation for this event, some cool birds made their way to Hancock Whitney to recognize the bank’s sponsorship with ‘Splash Bash.’ Hancock Whitney Mississippi President Emory Mayfield said, “This is truly one of the most anticipated events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast each year and we think that is because everyone is so excited about the Mississippi Aquarium. It’s almost completed.”

For the first year that the Mississippi Aquarium is open, you’ll get to see these penguins in their natural habitat. “That’s right. One of our traveling exhibits is going to be African penguins, one of 18 species around the world. You’ll get to see African penguins at your Mississippi Aquarium.”

These adorable penguins are more than just fun to be around, they help people learn about nature up close. “When we can make that connection with the animals and make people care about the animals then we can do something to care for and help our wildlife and that is all a part of using our ambassador penguins to make that connection to nature.”

To buy tickets to the ‘Splash Bash’ visit msaquarium.org. Tickets are $100 each.