New African penguin habitat opens at The Florida Aquarium this weekend

Spring breakers making their way to Tampa just got another activity to add to their to-do lists. The Florida Aquarium is set to open its new outdoor African penguin exhibit on March 12—and what better way to pregame before the beach than to hang out with some seabirds?

The Penguin Pavilion habitat is located in the aquarium's outdoor plaza, so guests with general admission tickets will get an up-close-and-personal look of the animal.

“There is no better way to inspire empathy and action for these endangered species than by seeing animals up-close and learning their stories,” said Tim Binder, Senior Vice President of Animal Care & Health in a statement. “But it doesn’t stop with our amazing conservation ambassadors, we are committed to increasing our involvement in scientific research and conservation initiatives”."

The extension of the habitat was put on hold last summer,  following a tragic incident that resulted in seven of the critically endangered penguins mysteriously dying. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the analysis of the biopsy was unclear, and only three of the exhibit's penguins survived.

Last February,  the conservatory welcomed six new penguins to the colony.

Tickets to the aquarium depends on the day, but the price range for March averages between $25-$35 with child and senior discounts available.

Located at 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, Florida Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.