CHARLOTTE, NC (February 18, 2026) – This March, Discovery Place Science brings the excitement of tournament season to the natural world with Animal March Madness, a fun, bracket-style tournament that lets the community vote for their favorite animals while supporting hands-on science and conservation education. 

Animal March Madness features eight of Discovery Place’s Animal Ambassadors competing head-to-head for the title of 2026 Champion Animal Ambassador. In each round, supporters cast votes to determine which animal advances, until one champion remains. 

How the Tournament Works

• February 24 – Wild Card Contender Vote 
• March 1–15 – Round 1: The Elite Eight 
• March 16–22 – Round 2: The Final Four 
• March 23–31 – Championship Round 

More than a popularity contest, Animal March Madness showcases how Discovery Place’s Animal Ambassadors inspire curiosity, make science engaging and bring the natural world to life for learners of all ages. Caring for these animals and building meaningful learning experiences around them requires expertise, resources and community support.

Meet the Contenders

• Taz the Rhinoceros Iguana – the horn-headed heavy hitter 
• BJ the Blue-and-Gold Macaw – the rainforest’s favorite princess 
• Herbie the Red-Footed Tortoise – the slow-and-steady showstopper 
• Stella & Andromeda the Burmese Star Tortoises – the cosmic dynamic duo 
• Marnie the Marine Toad – the mean-mugging heavyweight 
• Cas the Giant Hognose Snake – the sand-sweeping showman 
• ChatGBT the Great Blue Turaco – the shy but ferocious forest glider 
• Plus, the Wild Card winner (Moon Jellyfish or Shame-Faced Crab) 

Throughout the tournament, Discovery Place will spotlight each animal and its species, sharing the science, stories and behind-the-scenes insights that make these Animal Ambassadors such important educators. 

Voters can show additional support for their favorite animals during the tournament by donating and receiving special Animal March Madness perks, ranging from museum membership discounts to photo opportunities with an Animal Ambassador. 

Donations made during Animal March Madness directly support Discovery Place’s animals and the hands-on science experiences that inspire our community to explore, learn and protect the natural world. 

To participate and follow the tournament, visit https://discoveryplace.org/animal-march-madness/. 

Animal March Madness graphics for media use can be found here. 

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About Discovery Place Science 
Discovery Place Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas—dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to encourage innovative problem-solving and learning for all ages. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 168 W. 6th Street, the Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, educational programming and interactive activities. For more information about Discovery Place Science, visit discoveryplace.org.