New Orleans,
21
February
2017
|
11:05 AM
America/Chicago

All Hail Krewe of Tux! Audubon Aquarium Penguins and 610 Stompers Release Mardi Gras Parade Video

Aquarium encouraging parade-goers to recycle plastic beads at Audubon locations

Audubon Aquarium's penguins have teamed up with the all male dance group, the 610 Stompers, to roll out a parade of small, yet "extraordinary moves" to encourage parade-goers to drop off their plastic Mardi Gras beads at Audubon locations for recycling by the Arc of Greater New Orleans.

Through Monday, March 6, the public can drop off beads behind the Education Gate at the Zoo, the Information Booth and Giant Screen Theater ticket counter at the Aquarium, and the Guest Services counter at the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. 

"One estimate suggests that a single rider on a super float may throw nearly 2,500 pounds of beads across the length of a parade route. That’s about 2.5 million pounds of plastic per super parade," said Beth Firchau, Audubon Aquarium Director of Husbandry. "We hope people enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities and are offering the public a convenient way to recycle unwanted Mardi Gras loot at any of our locations."

Last year, in a first time, trial effort, Audubon collected approximately 1,000 pounds of plastic beads over an eight-day period. 

Firchau adds, "Working together, we can learn to enjoy traditional celebrations and support a cleaner environment for animals like our penguin friends."

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.