Featured Image Credit: Thomas A. Jefferson
Feeling like getting involved in a sweet new challenge? Have we got the one for you!
On May 18th, the Texas State Aquarium introduced a new social media based challenge— not unlike the 2014 viral sensation, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. But this time around, it involves what has usually been reserved for comedic revenge: a pie to the face.
For a purpose, of course. Or… rather, a porpoise. It’s all to raise awareness for the vaquita, a rapidly declining population of marine mammal, now with 30 individuals left in the wild, is facing extinction.
We’re proud to kick off #Pied4APorpoise to help #SavetheVaquita. Challenging @elpasozoo, @AquariumPacific, and @floridaaquarium! pic.twitter.com/H9bYkYiJvM
— Texas State Aquarium (@TXStateAquarium) May 18, 2017
When challenged, someone can either take the dare of a pie while posting on social media, tagging others (as the Texas State Aquarium did) to spread the word, or they can donate $30 or more to VaquitaCPR.org to continue and aid their efforts.
But the options don’t stop there: those challenged are more than welcome to participate in both getting pied and giving a donation.
After the Texas State Aquarium’s original post, the challenge has spread to multiple other zoos and aquariums, and has branched out to individuals and families, as well!
We accept @TXStateAquarium‘s nomination of the #Pied4APorpoise challenge and nominate @shedd_aquarium, @GeorgiaAquarium & @LowryParkZoo! pic.twitter.com/1bMhzd4PXD
— The Florida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium) May 24, 2017
#Pied4aPorpoise! We challenge @NCAquariumFF, @ZoologyforKids, and @livingdesert #4aPorpoise.#EndangeredSpeciesDay #SavetheVaquita pic.twitter.com/6mUbrscrjz
— Aquarium of Pacific (@AquariumPacific) May 20, 2017
#Pied4aPorpoise challenge accepted @NCAquariumFF! We challenge @DukeMarineLab @Jennettes_Pier @NCZoo and our director’s son Will! pic.twitter.com/8g6GDWodwZ
— NC Aquarium at PKS (@NCAquariumatPKS) May 25, 2017
Coral gives #Pied4aPorpoise a whole new meaning! Enrichment always pays off. @WCS checks in the mail! pic.twitter.com/2SVez7eC5a
— Mystic Aquarium (@mysticaquarium) May 25, 2017
Although this challenge may be a fun and unusual way to draw attention to their plight, the situation is serious. There have been many proposed and attempted solutions to save them, and thankfully there are many still trying to do what they can for this small species of porpoise, because if one thing’s for certain: they may not have long until they’re gone.