Tuxedo Trot: Run for the Penguins Coming to Greensboro Science Center Fundraiser for Endangered African Penguins

On Saturday, April 26, the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is hosting Tuxedo Trot: Run for the Penguins to help raise funds for endangered African penguins. The run is a fun, family-friendly event created by the Greensboro Science Center's Conservation Committee. The African penguin population has declined dramatically in the past 10 years and there is an urgent need for help. 100% of race profits go directly to efforts to save these penguins. ABOUT THE RUN The Tuxedo Trot will consist of a 5K and Kids' Fun Run on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Both events will begin and end at the Greensboro Science Center. The 5K takes runners along a two loop course on Lawndale Drive (closed to traffic) and through Country Park. The Kids' Fun Run is a short course through Animal Discovery Zoo. All participants receive a free customized t-shirt and free admission into the Greensboro Science Center on the day of the race. There will also be prizes such as penguin paintings and penguin encounters as well as prizes from race sponsors. Online registration and additional information is available at www.tuxedotrot.com. ABOUT "TUX" The mascot for the event is one of the Greensboro Science Center's own African Penguins. Her name is Tux. Tux was hatched at New England Aquarium in Boston on June 1, 2011. She was moved to the Greensboro Science Center on June 1, 2011 and is currently on exhibit in the Carolina SciQuarium. She is recognizable by her unique features. Whereas most African Penguins have solid markings on their faces, she has "waves" around her eyes. She can also be identified by the armband with her name on it. To help raise awareness about the Tuxedo Trot, members of the media working on assignment are invited to meet Tux. Appointments to meet Tux must be arranged in advance and need to be scheduled through the GSC marketing department by email, marketing@greensboroscience.org, or phone 336.288.3769 x1388. Additionally, the GSC is looking to develop media partnerships to promote the run and increase recognition of the plight of the African Penguins. Interested media should also contact the marketing department for an appointment to discuss co-promotional ideas. ABOUT AFRICAN PENGUINS When most people picture a penguin, they think of snow and ice, but there are some species of penguins that are acclimated to warmer climates. African penguins live in colonies on the coast and islands of southern Africa. Due to disruption of their breeding grounds, oil spills and loss of food supply, the African Penguin population has declined drastically (69% in the past 10 years) and there is an urgent need for funding for research, and to implement protective measures About The Greensboro Science Center - A premier family attraction in North Carolina that offers the state's first inland aquarium, a hands-on science museum, an accredited Animal Discovery Zoological Park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater. The Center is also NC's only dually accredited AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AAM (American Alliance of Museums) science attraction - an honor only 14 attractions can claim in the nation. The Greensboro Science Center is located at 4301 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.greensboroscience.org.