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Meet Our New Mascot: Dwecky the Dugong!

April 1, 2023

[Updated April 2nd, 2023: April Fools!! While you won’t find this lovable blubber-boat in our pools this summer, we do hope this helps bring awareness to the endangered species on our planet, and we encourage you to learn more about endangered species through www.WorldWildlife.org.]

We’re thrilled to introduce Dwecky, our brand new Dweck Properties mascot! Dwecky is a one year old Dugong pup that we’ve adopted through foster program in partnership with the Smithsonian Zoo and The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI). In addition to financial support, will be providing Dwecky with a rotating home with us here at our communities! We’ll be turning our pools into saltwater sanctuaries this summer where Dwecky can live and swim with our residents.

When the Smithsonian Conservation Biology originally approached Dweck Properties for financial support for Dwecky’s care and maintenance, our President & Chief Development Officer, Andy VanHorn, realized we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go above and beyond.

“We’re incredibly lucky to contribute to research and education around this vulnerable species and to give Dwecky a home for the summer,” said Dweck Properties President & Chief Development Officer, Andy VanHorn. “I’m not sure that any other apartment management company has ever offered this kind of fun and philanthropic amenity at their communities.”

Dugongs are cousins of manatees and share a similar plump appearance, but have a dolphin fluke-like tail. They are considered a “vulnerable” species on the Endangered Species list and will benefit greatly from our patronage and research through this new partnership. Dugongs are also highly social creatures that love to be held and cuddled. As a result, the SBCI encourages our residents to sign up for allocated time slots to swim and hug the plump marine mammal.

“We’re thrilled to have Dwecky living over the summer in a location where he can have safe, controlled interactions with human beings,” said D.O. Sean, SBCI Marine Mammal Research Director. “It’s important for his cognitive development and our research that he is acclimated to human touch and socialization.”

Dwecky Cuddles
Dwecky cuddles with his handler.

Currently living in a temporary home at the National Zoo, Dwecky will be transferred to our communities starting June 1st, 2023, spending one week at a time living in each property’s pool based on the schedule below:

JUNE

The Cosmopolitan at Lorton Station
The Gramercy
The Sutton Apartments
Icon at Dulles

JULY

The Park At Arlington Ridge
The Buchanan
Rosslyn Heights/Rosslyn Vue
Rolling Brook Village

AUGUST

Crystal Plaza Apartments
Crystal Square Apartments
Annapolis Bay
Crystal City Lofts

SEPTEMBER

Crystal Flats
Crystal Towers
Park at Pentagon Row

We’re truly proud to be involved in this program and can’t wait for our residents to meet Dwecky soon!