One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates. The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins. Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.
Read more: Move over Charlie Brown, it’s time for the Great Cannon Beach Puffin Watch
The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee, and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care for.
In order for the precious puffin plates to move onto the production stage, 3,000 vouchers must be purchased. According to a release from the aquarium, after the voucher goal is reached, it will take 6-7 months until the plates are available.
“The sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins,” the Oregon Coast Aquarium said in its release. Find more information on the new plate here.
Destiny Johnson | djohnson@oregonian.com