A PUBLICATION FROM THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
MAGAZINE
FA L L
2017
LETTER FROM OUR CEO
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Greetings members and friendS, What a summer! I know many of you have had an opportunity to tour Caribbean Journey; in fact, we have welcomed over 46,000 members during the first two months following our Grand Opening - a 90 percent increase over the same period last year! Xena, our two-toed sloth, as well as our sandbar sharks in the H-E-B Caribbean Sea, continue to be some of our members’ favorite new animals. Sharks are among the most splendid fish that swim the oceans of the world. Many of the larger species are apex predators, occupying the top role in the marine food chain. They grow slowly and produce few offspring, which makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing. Populations of many coastal shark species have decreased dramatically over the last 30 years.
Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation Frost Bank Gentry Co. Green Mountain Energy Orion Drilling Company, LLC Stripes ValueBank Texas Allison Flooring America American Bank CC General & Implant Dentistry Gowland, Strealy, Morales & Company LNV, Inc. NuStar Energy Occidental Chemical Corporation Pattern Gulf Wind, LLC The Bend Magazine Republic Services, Inc. Western Steel Co.
2
Sharks have been identified as a top conservation priority by the accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As part of the AZA’s global collaborative conservation program Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), the Texas State Aquarium will be focusing more energy and resources on interpreting the threats that these incredible fish face, and supporting research and conservation work that will help bring back many of their depleted populations. However, shark conservation is just one of several areas our teams at TSA are focusing on. Corals are another area; specifically, research into growing corals in large-scale aquaculture systems. These incredible animals form the foundation of the great reefs around the world, including the second longest barrier reef on earth, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Located along the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, this remarkable ecosystem was the inspiration for our coral exhibition in Caribbean Journey. You can read more about these and other Texas State Aquarium conservation programs in this issue of STAR. And thank you as always for being a member - you are helping Save Animals from Extinction!
Tom Schmid President and CEO
FALL 2017
Your Aquarium Animal Spotlight
Sandbar sharK Among the twisted shipwreck of Caribbean Journey’s new H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit swims an often feared but misunderstood creature, the sandbar shark. On this edition’s Animal Spotlight, we learn a little more about these ocean predators. The sandbar shark is threatened by overfishing because of its large fins, which are considered a delicacy in parts of the world. The sandbar shark gets its name from its preferred habitat of shallow coastal waters. The sandbar shark is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. Sandbar sharks can live for more than 40 years. The sandbar shark may look fearsome, but it rarely comes into conflict with humans and is not considered to be dangerous.
Visit our H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit to see these sandbar sharks from just inches away and learn even more about these fascinating sea creatures.
FALL 2017
3
AQUARIUM NEWS
Make a Caribbean Escape In Texas Caribbean Journey has been a massive hit with our guests during its first few months of operation. Since we opened to the public on May 13, we’ve welcomed nearly 300,000 guests to our exciting new jungle and underwater exhibits. We’ve loved watching our guests’ reactions as they explore the Caribbean jungle and the underwater exhibits and get up-close and personal with flamingos, sharks, tropical birds, and fish. Arguably our most popular Caribbean resident is Xena the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, who is enjoying a new “bridge” that allows her to crawl directly over the heads of our star-struck guests. Our 400,000-gallon H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit, complete with sandbar sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and other species, has proven to be our most awe-inspiring underwater attraction. With cold weather approaching, rest assured that you can always escape into the pleasant environment of the Caribbean without having to travel thousands of miles. Here in Caribbean Journey, you can watch as tropical birds fly through our naturally-lit jungles, soak in the sun along with Xena the sloth or Melvin the green iguana, or gaze into the calming blue waters of the Caribbean coral reef. Surrounded by these exotic sights and sounds, you just may forget that you’re actually in Texas in autumn.
4
SUMMER 2017
AQUARIUM NEWS
Texas State Aquarium
Stands Strong
Thanks largely to the efforts of a dedicated ride-out team, we were able to successfully withstand Hurricane Harvey. As the storm approached our coast, many of our staff were given leave, while our outdoor animals were moved to safe indoor locations to wait out the storm. Inside, a skilled crew of animal care experts made sure our animals were well-fed and kept calm. Our building only suffered minimal damage in the storm, and was quickly restored to fantastic condition by returning staff and volunteers in late August. We are now open for our regular hours and excited to get back to our mission of engaging people with animals, inspiring appreciation for our seas and supporting wildlife conservation. Our location and our building were spared from the worst of Harvey, but many in our community, including partnering zoos and aquariums, weren’t quite so fortunate. We’re in communication with the Texas Zoo in Victoria, the Houston Zoo, the Downtown Houston Aquarium and others and are standing by to help however we can with their recovery and animal care. Thank you to your guests for their concern for our staff, our animals, and the Aquarium overall during Hurricane Harvey. Your support and kind words showed how much we mean to the community. We hope our re-opening offers a beacon of optimism in a troubling time for many Texans and that we can continue to provide a place for families to learn, bond, and discover together.
Nature’s Courses
We know kids learn more about science and ocean life when they don’t just listen, but get to participate. The hands-on education programs provided through our Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM Education offer just that. The Homeschool and Creature Tales programs this fall and winter provide children with an interactive experience that goes beyond your typical classroom experience to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and wildlife advocates. Learn a little more about each of these unique experiences below:
creature tales
After reading a story about a sloth, Creature Tales learners meet Xena, a real-life two-toed sloth.
What kid hasn’t dreamed about their favorite literary character jumping out of the pages into real life? That fantasy becomes a reality at our monthly Creature Tales, where students read a book about one of our animals, then meet the actual star of the story. These 30-minute programs, designed for ages 6 and under, pique children’s curiosity for nature and wildlife and are a great way to build early language skills and support family learning time. There are limited spots available, so don’t miss your chance to bring a story to life for your young reader! Sign up today at texasstateaquarium.org/creature-tales
HOMESCHOOL Homeschool students deserve field trips too! Our Homeschool classes are STEM-based programs designed for home school learners from kindergarten to eighth grade. Homeschool will kick off on September 20 with students exploring the wildlife and habitats of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Journey. Just some of the adventures that await are the chance to meet a cave explorer and biologist, learn about underwater caves called cenotes, and discover the complex relationships between animals and their environment. Sign up today at texasstateaquarium.org/homeschool Thank you to Flint Hills Resources for supporting STEM learning and discovery and making great education programs like these possible.
FALL 2017
5
AQUARIUM NEWS
WHAT WE CAN ALL DO TO FIGHT PLASTIC POLLUTION Every minute of every day, enough plastic to fill a dump truck is emptied into the ocean. And the problem is only getting worse, with plastic pollution expected to double by 2025. Plastic is widespread, remains in the ecosystem for years, and causes more damage to the ocean than almost any other pollutant. Nearly 700 species of marine animals are impacted by trash in the ocean, most of which is plastic. The solution to plastic’s devastating effect on the ocean is simple: ditch the plastic. And while that may seem impossible, we and 18 other aquariums are showing it can be done right now. As a member of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, we’re leading by example to show how that the solution – reducing our dependence on single-use plastic – is In Our Hands. Here are just a few of the ways we’ve committed to getting rid of plastic and how you can join us.
6
ELIMINATING PLASTIC STRAWS All straws at our Pepsi Shoreline Grill look and feel normal, but they’re paper, not plastic. You too can avoid straws whenever possible by simply forgoing them when you order a drink at a restaurant or bar.
Ditching plastic water bottles You won’t find plastic water bottles here. Instead, we sell Boxed Water, a recyclable BPA-free product that’s much safer for the environment. You too can avoid bottled water by using a reusable cup or bottle that you fill up with tap water. You can also buy a filter for your faucet to get free water that’s just as clean as water from a plastic bottle.
Getting rid of plastic bags Plastic bags can entangle, suffocate, or even be swallowed by ocean life. At our gift shop, we ask guests to carry items without a bag if possible and provide paper bags and reusable cloth bags as an alternative. You too can help reduce the spread of plastic bags by bringing a reusable cloth bag when you go grocery shopping.
Cleaning up local beaches As a host for the Texas General Land Office’s Adopt-A-Beach program, we coordinate several annual beach cleanups and have removed hundreds of tons of plastic from our local coasts. You can attend our next Adopt-A-Beach cleanup, and make a habit of picking up trash from your local beach. It doesn’t have to be a huge group effort; just bring a small bag and pick up what you find during your visit. By this time next year, our goal is to completely phase out plastics from our operations. While we’re already far ahead of most of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s goals, we look forward to reducing more and more plastic in the coming months. We hope you can join us in building a natural, healthy, and plastic-free future for our environment and the world’s oceans. Learn more at www.ourhands.org
FALL 2017
AQUARIUM NEWS
Exclusive Encounters
The Sea Panda
With our “Feed the Fish” Exclusive Encounter, we’re now offering our guests an exciting new opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes and help our aquarists care for our fascinating ocean life. On this two-hour adventure, you’ll get to feed the fish in Caribbean Journey, tour our medical facilities, and give sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles their daily meals. Tickets are available now for just $49.95/person.
Do you know what a vaquita is? The world’s smallest and most endangered marine mammal has fewer than 30 individuals in the wild, and while there is a growing community bringing more attention to the vaquita, too few people know about this tiny porpoise and why we need to save it. With that in mind, learn a little more about this incredible cetacean and how you can help save it from extinction.
This once-in-a-life encounter is available for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to experience our animals like never before. Ask a guest services or front desk team member on your next visit for more details and to reserve your spot. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org/exclusive-encounters
Make Your Birthday an Adventure Does your child love their visits here? Our birthday parties are the perfect celebration for kids of all ages on their special day, full of fun aquatic adventures among your young ocean explorer’s favorite animals and attractions. Just a few of the experiences and benefits you can expect at your child’s Aquarium birthday party: • • • •
A 10% discount for members A visit from Dorsey, our dolphin mascot (additional cost) A chance to have gallons of fun in the H-E-B Splash Park Views of over 460 species from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea
Why you need to know about the vaquita
The vaquita is nicknamed “the sea panda” for its dark facial markings and its critically-endangered status. The vaquita is the smallest cetacean in the world, measuring about 4 feet long when fully grown. The vaquita lives in a territory of only about 900 square miles, the smallest area occupied by a whale species. Unlike other porpoises, the vaquita is very shy and solitary. It avoids boats and people and is usually found by itself. The Texas State Aquarium, zoos and aquariums, and conservationists around the world have come together for a last-ditch plan to save the vaquita, and you can easily support this ambitious project at VaquitaCPR.org. Or, if you want to have a little more fun and encourage your friends and family to save the vaquita, participate in the social media campaign #Pied4APorpoise. This campaign raises funds for the vaquita’s conservation and encourages people everywhere to care about this critically endangered porpoise and help save it before it’s too late.
Now that you know a little more about the vaquita, we hope you can help us save it.
To reserve your party go to: texasstateaquarium.org/birthday-parties or call 361-653-2602.
FALL 2017
7
Second Chances
Flock This Way Looking Out for Migrating Birds People up north may associate the beginning of fall with leaves turning red and orange, but here in Corpus Christi, bright feathers are the surest sign that autumn has arrived. That’s because as temperatures drop northward, thousands of shorebirds including sandpipers, flycatchers, warblers, and other avian species arrive in droves to “America’s Birdiest City.” These winged visitors are usually a welcome addition, driving tourism and filling our skies and beaches with their vibrant songs and colors. But keep in mind that as more birds arrive to feed and raise families, many are also likely to become injured or suffer from illness. Luckily, our Second Chances team is standing by to help rescue any injured shorebird or raptor you may encounter this season. If you encounter a bird that appears to be injured, orphaned, or in distress, call our Second Chances team at 361-881-1210. We’ll arrive as quickly as we can to take these birds under our wing for treatment and rehabilitation, and do whatever we can to release them back into the wild.
Case Files
Our Second Chances team continued strong into the spring and summer, releasing dozens of shorebirds, sea turtles and raptors back into their natural environment. Here are a few of our favorite success stories from the past four months.
PEREGRINE FALCON
Rescued December 19 Broken left humerus Multiple surgeries performed to heal wing Released May 24 at Hazel Bazemore Park
GREAT BLUE HERON
Rescued April 21 Injured and stressed from fishing line entanglement Treated for injuries and given time to recover Released on July 2 at Indian Point Park
HARRIS’S HAWK
Rescued April 6 Fractured left wing from being shot multiple times Underwent surgery and rehabilitation to regain full flight ability Released July 3 at Hazel Bazemore Park
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS
Rescued April 29 and May 11 Separated from parents and ingested toxic materials Treated in ICU unit with antibiotics and flight training Released July 15 at Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge
SEA TURTLE
Rescued May 13 Entangled in fishing line with hook embedded in its neck Line and hook were removed and wounds were treated Released on North Beach on July 13
Want to help us give even more animals a Second Chance? Learn more about our rehabilitation program and donate at texasstateaqarium.org/second-chances Second Chances Hotline: 361-881-1210
8
FALL 2017
Conservation Spotlight
Fading Away
The loss of coral reefs from coral reefs poses a major threat to the overall health of the oceans.
Just a few years ago, divers would plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and find themselves surrounded by a thriving ecosystem of vibrant coral and brightly patterned marine life. These Caribbean coral reefs were among the most diverse in the world, supporting a local fishing industry and attracting tourists from far and wide.
feed on to get their vibrant color. But a combination of global warming, acidity, pollution, and even invasive species can stress coral polyps, leading them to expel their algae and leave only a barren white skeleton behind.
Sadly, color and life have now faded from many of these once-thriving ecosystems. An environmental tragedy known as coral bleaching has begun to erode these underwater habitats and the marine species that depend on them for survival. Humans are the main contributor to coral bleaching around the world, and we are the only ones that can help stop it from spreading even further.
Widespread coral bleaching has caused huge swaths of coral reefs to lose their formerly stunning displays of color. Coral can also be damaged by reckless snorkelers and scuba divers, the loss of crucial fish species, and even boat anchors. Under better conditions, bleached and damaged coral can recover, but failing that, these fragile polyp colonies can die off, and that loss can be practically irreplaceable. After all, in ideal environments, coral only grows about 7.5 inches per year, so it’s extremely slow to recover.
So what is coral bleaching, exactly? Coral isn’t a plant or even a single animal, but a whole group of creatures. Each coral structure is a colony of tiny jellyfish-like creatures like polyps which assemble into a single formation. These colonies attract algae, which polyps
Coral bleaching has already killed off several important coral reefs around the world and the ocean life within, and if something isn’t done soon, we humans could also be in trouble. Coral reefs support fish that feed millions of people, prop up billions of businesses
in the tourism industry, protect the coasts from storms and rising sea levels, and help maintain the ocean’s water quality. Without them, we could be left with flooded cities, accelerated climate change, mass starvation, and a depleted economy, to name just a few potential issues. We’re doing what we can to help coral regrow and recover from bleaching events and other threats. We support the work of the group Sexual Coral Reproduction (SECORE), which collects coral eggs, or gametes, and grow healthy coral in a controlled lab environment. They then transport this growing coral to the wild where it forms the backbone of a new reef. You can see growing coral structures here at our Coral Propagation Nursery and learn more about our coral conservation efforts. It will take everyday people like you though to secure a future for coral and our ocean habitats. So what can you do to save coral reefs?
1. Conserve water 2. Use alternative transportation to reduce CO2 emissions
3. Don’t touch or collect coral 4. Buy seafood from fisheries in the
Gulf of Mexico and those that use sustainable harvesting practices. 5. Spread the importance of coral reefs among your friends and family. These small acts, when practiced by a large group of people, can help ensure that future generations have the chance to experience the “rainforests of the sea” for themselves.
A bleached and damaged coral structure
FALL 2017
9
CALENDAR
29SEPT
3rd Annual Mini Gulf Classic
17OCT seafood wars
Hours of Operation Summer Hours 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily Fall Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Our young professional group, The Rising Tide Society, will be rolling out the green carpet, all “fore” a good cause. For more information call 361-881-2612.
Our winning chefs from previous Seafood Wars compete to see who can whip up the most delicious dish of all. Education Office at 361-881-1204
14OCT
27OCT
Volunteer Information Session
H-E-B Splash Park Hours Open weekends only until Oct. 1st
How To Contact Us: Accounting (361) 881-1286 Admissions (361) 881-1230 Donations & Development (361) 881-1340
Sea You @ Costumes and Cocktails
Education & SeaCamp (361) 881-1204
Celebrate Halloween with drinks, food, and wildlife encounters in our new Caribbean Journey. Details TBD.
Gift Shop (361) 881-1232
28OCT
GREEN HALLOWEEN Did you miss our last volunteer information session? Here’s your chance to get involved. Whether you want to work with animals or just gain work experience, we can find a place for you.
Event Rentals (361) 881-1244 General Information (361) 881-1200 Group Reservations (361) 653-2602 Naturalist Office (361) 881-1250 Injured Animal (361) 881-1210 Membership (361) 881-1341 Pepsi Shoreline Grill (361) 881-1239 Volunteers (361) 881-1381 Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation: (361) 881-1210
The Texas State Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Instead of witches and ghouls, we’re celebrating Halloween with our fascinating ocean life. Join us for fun and educational games and activities.
FOLLOW US
texasstateaquarium.org
10