Since July 1, 2% of every can of Tropical Bay IPA sold in Florida has gone to flamingo conservation, under a partnership between Miami-based Biscayne Bay Brewing and Zoo Miami Foundation.

The donation program funds wildlife research, educational programming and habitat preservation across the state, according to a joint announcement published Sept. 1.

Brewery says beer reflects South Florida

Sven Sommer of Biscayne Bay Brewing said the beer was built around South Florida's identity. "Tropical Bay was inspired by the color, energy, and tropical lifestyle of South Florida, so aligning it with flamingo conservation felt like a natural extension of that story," Sommer said in the announcement.

The brewery, founded in 2012, sells Tropical Bay IPA at Zoo Miami and South Florida retailers including Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Target, Milam's and Total Wine.

Push to name flamingo the state bird

Ron Magill, Zoo Miami Foundation's goodwill ambassador and conservation liaison, wrote in a letter published by Community Newspapers that the partnership ties into a broader push to make the American flamingo Florida's official state bird. State legislators have been considering replacing the northern mockingbird with the flamingo.

That campaign scored a win closer to home. Miami-Dade commissioners designated the American flamingo as the county's official bird on July 21, NBC Miami reported. Magill told commissioners, "It represents how nature can come back, can reclaim itself, when given the opportunity."

Species returning after near extinction

American flamingos were driven out of Florida in the 1800s by hunting for feathers and meat. They took refuge in Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. The birds are returning to the Everglades and Florida Bay as restoration efforts expand, according to Zoo Miami, as WSVN reported.

The partnership's educational component will spotlight flamingo habitats and the species' role in Florida's ecosystem, according to the announcement.

The state bird question heads to Tallahassee for the next legislative session.