Meet Chip the viral armadillo at the Tallahassee Museum
Oh, hey there, internet! Chip the Armadillo here with help from my trusty translator, since all you hear is “eep eep” when I talk.
Let me tell you— life’s been a whirl-dillo since my splash pad moves went viral. Twenty million views? Who knew a little guy in a shell could make such a splash on the world stage?
With all this newfound fame, I figured it’s about time I shared who I am and offer some insider tips and recommendations on how to enjoy my new hometown. Even though I don’t go out as often as I used to (gotta keep up with my celebrity schedule, you know!), I’ve picked up a few things from my wonderful human friends at the Tallahassee Museum and all the lovely visitors who come to see me, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Before we get started, here’s a little bit of my backstory: I’m originally from Miami, where I was rescued after a rough encounter left me with chemical burns. Thankfully, the wonderful folks at the Tallahassee Museum gave me a second chance and a forever home. I traded neon lights for oak trees and canopy roads, and I’ve never looked back!
Photo courtesy of Tallahassee Museum
Chip Off the Old Block: My Tallahassee Must-Dos!
Q: Any tips for first-time visitors to Tallahassee?
Oh, absolutely! First, remember that Tallahassee has four distinct seasons. You might think Florida is all sunshine and beaches, but in the fall, you can actually see some beautiful fall foliage. It’s quite a sight and I love jumping in the leaves! Tallahassee has a fantastic network of over 700+ miles of trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk roll, if you’re an armadillo. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for all the exploring you’ll be doing!
Q: What’s it like being Tallahassee’s newest celebrity?
One minute I’m minding my own business, vibing in a splash pad, and next thing I know, I’m dodging paw-parazzi and signing clawtographs. Fame’s wild, y’all. But hey, if I can use my platform to highlight the best parts of Tallahassee? Shell yeah. It’s pretty neat that so many people are interested in me and the other rehabilitated Animal Ambassadors at the Tallahassee Museum, like our red wolves, panthers, owls, and more. Stop by, and you can come see ALL of us up close!
Q: What’s one of your favorite ways to beat the heat in the summertime?
Everyone knows I like my afternoon splash pad fun. I also recommend the splash pad at Cascades Park for an afternoon cool-down. It’s got fountains that shoot water randomly, which sounds a lot like my wild-child antics, if you ask me. Plus, it’s a beautiful park with plenty of space to roam, just like my habitat.
Q: What’s one of your ideas for a perfect date night in Tallahassee?
Well, if I were to go on a date, it would have to include some good food! I’d start with a snack filled walk through Railroad Square during First Friday and enjoy the food trucks, live music, and plenty of charming vendors and vintage treasures. Next, I’d grab a scoop of ice cream from Lofty Pursuits because nothing melts hearts like sprinkles and soda fountain flair. My go-to flavor? Chocolate Chip, of course. And topped with gummy worms. Sweet, silly, and totally dillo-approved.
Q: What festivals should visitors attend in Tallahassee?
Zoobilee at the Tallahassee Museum is my kind of night. Think costumes, music, snacks, and plenty of human dancing (which I find wildly entertaining). It’s happening October 24, 2025, and let me tell you, it’s the one time of year where humans go full party animal… literally. I’m talkin’ live tunes, tasty bites, drinks, and outfits that give me serious Halloween envy. So grab your best costume and get ready to boogie armadillo style. Maybe somebody will dress up as me!
Q: What’s one of your favorite local watering holes?
Besides my personal splash pad, of course, a truly refreshing escape is Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. I’ve heard the humans rave about swimming in the clear, cool waters of the spring and even taking the jungle boat tour. They say you can sometimes see a manatee! It sounds like the ultimate chill-out spot.
Photo courtesy of Tallahassee Museum
Q: What’s a great family-friendly activity at the Tallahassee Museum?
Well, besides coming to see me and my animal friends, you have to try the Tree-to-Tree Adventures! It’s a zip line and aerial obstacle course high up in the trees. I mean, I’m an armadillo, I’m usually down on the ground, but even I can appreciate the idea of soaring through the canopy. There are courses for different skill levels, so everyone in the family can have a fantastic, high-flying adventure. It’s a unique way to see the museum and all my friends from a whole new perspective.
Q: What’s one of your favorite trails in Tallahassee?
Since I’m a bit of a dig-oriented guy, I appreciate a good trail. I’ve heard great things about the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. It’s a paved trail, so it’s accessible for everyone, and it runs all the way from downtown to the coast. The best part is you can stop by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge where many of my friends outside the Tallahassee Museum live. It’s home to so many amazing birds, mammals, and fish. Just be careful of the gators!
Q: Got a personal goal?
Easy. To get my own “Chip Star” downtown! If Hollywood has the Walk of Fame, Tallahassee needs the Scurry of Fame, and I’m ready to lead the crawl. Imagine a bronze plaque with my little paw print, right there on the sidewalk. It’s just one more reason for visitors to come see the stars of Tallahassee (furry or otherwise).
Q: Any final thoughts?
Tallahassee’s got everything. Good food, great trails, and the coolest museum a shellebrity like me could ask for. And the Tallahassee Museum isn’t just my home, it’s 52 acres of wild Florida fun, with nature trails, native critters, and even a zipline (no, I haven’t tried it… yet). Whether you walk, waddle, or scurry, come see why I’ve fallen head over shell for this place.
Want to meet Chip in real life? Visit the Tallahassee Museum at 3945 Museum Drive or explore tallahasseemuseum.org to learn more about their native wildlife, historic buildings, and hands-on educational programs. Every visit helps support the Tallahassee Museum’s mission to inspire understanding and appreciation of our natural environment—and gives Chip and his animal friends the love they deserve.
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Chip, the armadillo
Official Tallahassee Museum resident, part-time explorer, and now writer extraordinaire! When Chip’s not munching on snacks or digging through the dirt, he’s busy sharing stories from the wild side of Tallahassee. With a heart as big as his shell and a flair for going viral, Chip is on a mission to show the world just how cool Florida’s Capital City really is, one claw-written story at a time.
