Star - Spring 2015

AQUARIUM NEWS

SPRING 2015

WINTER 2014 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

LETTER FROM OUR CEO

The Texas State Aquarium is

Greetings Aquarium members and friends, I hope your 2015 is off to a great start. If you have visited the Aquarium recently, you know that big changes are underway. In December of last year, we broke ground on the largest expansion in our 25-year history, the Caribbean Journey building.

A lot of construction activity has happened since then; however, most of it our guests will never see. In order to create a solid foundation, over 200 concrete piers are being installed to support the new wing. Each pier is two to three feet in diameter and up to 90 feet long and is capable of supporting over 100 tons! Piers are constructed by drilling a hole down into the ground about 90 feet deep, and then filling that hole with highly reinforced concrete. On top of each set of the piers, pile caps are formed out of two foot thick slabs of reinforced concrete. This pier and pile cap system will form the foundation for our new 65,000 square feet building.

Over the next several months, after we finish the foundation work, you will begin to see the walls coming up. The top of the new glass roof will be over 100 feet above sea level, and about twice as high as our existing building.

Our goal is to have the new building completed by January of 2017 and open to the public sometime in the spring of 2017.

Throughout the next two years of construction, there will be changes to our operations, such as the temporary relocation of our front entrance, and the temporary transport of our two bottlenose dolphins, Kai, and Shadow to our SeaLab center. I ask for your patience as we work through these changes.

This new building program will finish what was started over 25 years ago窶病 visionary dream and a visionary mission: to create an aquarium, a great aquarium, for Texas. Stay tuned!

Tom Schmid President and CEO

TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM 窶｢ SPRING 2015

Proud Partners with:

AQUARIUM NEWS

YOU ‘OTTER’ MEET THE AQUARIUM’S NEWEST ARRIVAL: She clambers up the stone embankment, her whiskers twitching and eyes taking in everything she sees. She spies a nearby rock and grabs it in both her paws, diving into the water and then playing a game of balancing it on her furry head as she acrobatically darts from the bottom of the Otter Creek exhibit and back to the top.

Ari, a curious and very energetic female North American river otter, is the Aquarium’s newest resident. The 16-pound one-year-old came to call the Aquarium home in early January via the North Carolina Zoo. We were excited to celebrate the young otter’s first birthday on January 12! For her special day, Ari was treated with a fish-filled Jell-O and ice cake! At first intimidated by the foreign frozen food, the investigative otter swam around it from side to side, checking out every angle and sniffing out what she could. Though she didn’t immediately scarf down the tasty treat, she eventually took the plunge and dared to nibble on one of the edges and grab a few bites of fish.

Soon after, the Aquarium hosted a 10day online contest to let the Corpus Christi community and Aquarium fans name the new otter, who shares the

exhibit with 10-year-old male North American river otter Merlin. The proffered name choices were Zoe, Sadie, Mia, Hope, and of course, the winner – Ari, which means “brave.”

Garnering 30 percent of the vote, the social media community commented that they liked the “short, sweet” sound of Ari. It took Ari no time at all to adapt to her new surroundings in her Otter Creek home. Head Marine Mammal Trainer Emma Gilbert said the animal, who is a very healthy size for her age, took to the exhibit area immediately.

“Oh yeah, she was checking out every nook, cranny, rock and palm tree frond in there,” Gilbert exclaimed, “She’s super curious and exploratory!”

As enrichment, the otters often receive palm tree fronds and other plant leaves. Enrichment is a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of the animals’ behavioral biology and natural history. Environmental changes are made with the goal of increasing the animal’s behavioral choices by drawing out their speciesappropriate behaviors and to improve their social,

cognitive, and psychological well being.

To help in this process, zoos and aquariums often use environmental enrichment devices (EEDs), which are objects that animals can manipulate. EEDs can either be novel or preexisting and can range from natural to man made. Each department within our Animal Husbandry program has its own unique enrichment program that is provided for its animals.

Due to Ari’s love of playing with them, Gilbert said she has been adding a number of rocks to the Otter Creek exhibit to further encourage her exploratory behavior.

Gilbert said Merlin is adjusting just fine to his new companion. “It’s the same situation wherein you have an older dog and then introduce a puppy into the mix. She keeps stealing his favorite spot to sleep in, but the second she moves, he plants himself right there and claims his space back. It’s pretty funny to watch,” she explained.

Gilbert said she expects the Aquarium’s daily “You Otter Know This” presentation will be double the fun now that two otters will be living at Otter Creek.

“She brings so much fun and energy to the Aquarium,” said Gilbert, “We’re lucky and happy to have her.”

Aquarium President & CEO Tom Schmid echoed Gilbert’s feelings, saying, “Ari’s youthful excitement and energy make her a wonderful, fun new addition to Otter Creek, and we hope you will all come out to see her.”

SPRING 2015 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

AQUARIUM NEWS YOUR AQUARIUM

SeaCamp Where can kids learn a lifelong love for the ocean and all of its inhabitants while having the best summer ever? That’s right – it’s that awesome time of year again – SeaCamp registration! This summer, help your student continue to advance his or her education and nature-inspired fascination by registering for one or more of our 12 week-long sessions that provide an inclusive and collaborative learning environment to spark that interest in the sciences!

SeaCamp focuses on promoting (STEM) science, technology, engineering, math, and similar subjects through exploration and discovery that empower campers to reach their full potential. Students will learn to think critically about their environments, while sharpening their investigative skills and, of course, experiencing that good old fashioned summertime fun full of outdoors, fishing, kayaking, and pool time.

By using age appropriate learning through physical play, creative and critical thinking, and hands-on exploration, your student will gain a unique view of and appreciation for science.

We are excited to introduce three new specialized SeaCamp topics- Sharks, Oceanography and Bioinspiration! Campers will be immersed in all things sharks, oceanography or bioinspiration as they enjoy some of our “most loved” activities, such as Aquarium visits, along with a whole host of new and engaging activities, such as chatting with an ocean scientist, tracking a shark or designing “products” from nature.

Sessions run June 1- August 21, 2015 and are available for students ages 4-17. For more information and for rates, please contact Rosanna Gossett at 361-881-1204 or visit texasstateaquarium.org./seacamp TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • SPRING 2015

Campaign Caribbean Corner

Celika Storm Surgical Center The exciting new Caribbean Journey addition will have a surgical center with state-ofthe-art equipment dedicated for our animal collection thanks to a charitable gift from philanthropist and Aquarium Trustee Celika Storm.

“I care deeply about the health and well-being of all animals,” says Storm, “And supporting a project like this allows the Aquarium staff to be even more helpful and responsive when needed.”

“It’s a suite that is separated into three different areas - a treatment area, a radiology area and an isolated surgical area where they can do complete sterile surgeries,” explains Jesse Gilbert, Aquarium Vice President & COO. “We will be able to completely contain all of our veterinary practice here on site.”

Storm said making a transformational impact on the Aquarium’s veterinary care ability is the motivation behind her generous gift.

“It is very important to give to grounds and habitats for all animals,” says Storm, “But I also like to help the ones that are sick or injured, and the Aquarium staff does a great job with both.” procedure on any animal, capture all the imThe new equipment afforded by Storm’s gift ages on a digital medical file and then share is state-of-the-art digital technology for radiology and endoscopic procedures. Due to the them with other facilities and teams. We have not been able to do machinery’s portability, the staff has more “I care deeply about the health and anything like this in the past.” flexibility in its use. well-being of all animals,” says For example, the x-ray Storm, “And supporting a project There is even a floatmachine can be taken like this allows the Aquarium staff ing table – powered to Dolphin Bay to be even more helpful and reby magnets - that will to perform xallow our patients to rays on the sponsive when needed.” be centered with the dolphins, radiology equipment, and making the process easier on staff and the then wirelessly send those impatients. ages to computers throughout the Aquarium, thereby “You can load a 700-pound turtle on the eliminating the time-consumtable, and the table glides with the push of a ing and sometimes stressful finger,” explains Gilbert. task of moving animals.

And the benefits of such technology don’t stop there.

“The digital endoscopic equipment allows us to also have digital results,” says Gilbert.

“We can take the equipment to any site, do a

The Aquarium is grateful for such a gift and looks forward to utilizing the Celika Storm Surgical Center to greatly benefit our flippered, four-legged, and feathered friends.

CURRENT EVENTS

Current Events

Aquarium Releases Rehabilitated Brown Pelican Back Into Its Natural Habitat

The Aquarium’s Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital took in a juvenile brown pelican on January 2, after the lethargic shorebird was found on Saratoga Boulevard in front of a restaurant and turned over by Corpus Christi’s Animal Care Services.

The underweight animal was found to have several older abrasions on its left wing and a bacterial infection on both feet, once inspected by Second Chances staff. According to staff, this was likely the pelican’s first winter and it was simply unprepared for and unable to handle the cold weather.

Spring Break Camp

Join the adventure as we explore marine environments near and far. Participate in local field investigations and hands-on science activities to find out how our actions at home, and at school, can help or harm the ocean.

We offer fun opportunities during school break times for children Kindergarten through 5th grades at our SeaLab facility. Your child can spend March 16-20 learning about marine life and making new friends!

Camp is each day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Our camps and camp environments are designed to support inclusive and collaborative learning, promote STEM exploration and discovery and empower campers to reach

their full potential. Camps are designed specifically for each grade range with age appropriate interactions, games, investigations, and activities.

Each camp includes some water play or activities. Camps can fill quickly and are registered on a first come, first-served basis. Call 361-881-1204 or email rgossett@txstateaq.org for registration information

The brown pelican is one of the only two pelican species which feeds by diving into the water.

After monitoring the bird’s flying capabilities and weight gain, Second Chances staff deemed it healthy and able to be returned back to its natural environment at Corpus Christi’s Packery Channel Park. Local news stations KIII and KRIS were on hand to film the pelican reacclimatize himself with his natural surroundings and fly off into the afternoon sun.

SPRING 2015 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

WCCR SPOTLIGHT

Water for Wildlife Installing Solar Water Wells on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to Provide Fresh Water Sources for Whooping Cranes and other Wildlife during Drought

WILDLIFE CARE, CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH FUND

Droughts affect both human and wildlife populations. While humans can construct water storage facilities to provide reliable water supplies during droughts, wildlife must adapt to drought conditions, migrate to wetter areas, or suffer the effects of reduced food and drinking water supplies.

Increasingly frequent and more severe droughts affecting the Central Texas coast pose a threat to the recovery of the last naturally migrating population of endangered North American Whooping Cranes (Grus americanus), which winter in the coastal marshes on and around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

In 2013, the San Antonio Bay Partnership, Inc. (SABP), with funding from the Texas State

Before TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • SPRING 2015

Aquarium’s Wildlife Care, Conservation and Research Fund (WCCRF) and other organizations launched the “Water for Wildlife” initiative to address this problem.

Working with ANWR staff and a water well drilling contractor, SABP first evaluated existing, but inoperable, windmill wells to determine if they could be converted to solar powered electric pumps. Based on the results, the only existing well proving suitable was converted to a solar pump and a new well drilled and equipped with a solar pump.

Shallow ponds receiving the water pumped by these two wells are already being frequented by whooping cranes and other wildlife, and will prove to be reliable water sources for years to come.

After

Under the Water for Wildlife initiative, SABP will continue partnering with other organizations to plan and implement projects aimed at mitigating the impact of drought on the estuarine resources and wildlife populations in the Coastal Bend Region of Texas. This now includes: developing water management strategies to increase the frequency and magnitude of freshwater inflows to the San Antonio Bay/Guadalupe Estuary system, developing a strategic plan for the deployment of solar powered water wells in whooping crane habitats, and installing more solar wells based on that plan.

Courtesy of James Dodson, The San Antonio Bay Partnership, Inc.

SECOND CHANCES

Second Chances:Taking Flight For Senior Wild-

proud of in the world of animal rehabilitation.

when we released him,” said Martinelli, “It

Kelley Shutt, the

“We’re thrilled to see such a high number of

Aquarium.”

lie. So, when

Martinelli. “We worked really hard last year,

2014 was memorable was for many reasons

good to see that reflected in the stats.”

her

life Specialist

numbers never

the indefatigable animal care worker is having a bad day or feeling frustrated, she reminds

herself of what the numbers reflect – that she and her team are not only making a difference, but a sizeable one at that.

In 2014 Shutt and the Aquarium’s Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

rehabilitated and released nearly 70 birds

releases,” said Veterinary Technician Laura

had a high number of patients, and it feels so

memorable, but the recovery and subsequent release of one special Crested Caracara, a

scavenging falcon native to the area, will be one for the history books.

After attending a conference on the proce-

states of dehydration and malnutrition; they

ping the injured bird. Imping is the method

may have injuries like broken wings, foot

infections, or even be entangled in monofilament, or have fishing hooks caught in their beaks or mouths.

Though it may sound misleading, Second

Chances’ 30 percent release success rate is

something to be very

The brown pelican is one of the only two pelican species which feeds by diving into the water.

and releases, all of

Martinelli said many cases from last year are

back into their natural habitats. The animals

are brought into Second Chances in various

was really us living out the mission of the

dure, Martinelli became very interested in imof facilitating feather growth in birds by

inserting foreign feathers from a deceased bird of the same species into the injured

which Shutt says keep and her staff

going every day.

“Those re-

lease numbers

take away

our bad days,

and they give us

such a sense of

purpose,” explains

Shutt, “The numbers

just help the spirit.”

bird’s feather shafts. It was the first time Second Chances staff had performed

the procedure, and to see it be such a

success on the first try made Martinelli extra excited to release the animal.

“To be so involved in the recov-

ery process and to have had the caracara with us for so long, it

just made it that much sweeter

“We’re thrilled to see such a high number of releases,” said Veterinary Technician Laura Martinelli. “We worked really hard last year, had a high number of patients, and it feels so good to see that reflected in the stats.”

SPRING 2015 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

CALENDAR

MARCH

1

March 1: Aquarium Hours Change Beginning Sunday, March 1, the Aquarium’s hours of operation will be 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

7 March 14: H-E-B Splash Park Opens The H-E-B Splash Park will be open every day of Spring Break 2015, Saturday, March 7 – Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

22 March 22: Splash Park Hours Change From Sunday, March 22 through Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the H-E-B Splash Park will be open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

25 March 25: Homeschool Program: Guardians of the Sea Part 1 We depend on the ocean for our food, air, weather, fun, travel, and climate. When the ocean isn’t healthy, we aren’t healthy. Marine debris and other ocean pollution has become a serious problem over the decades as we neglect our ocean and use waterways as dumping grounds. During March and April, students will become “Guardians of the Sea” as they learn about marine debris, investigate its impacts and identify ways to keep our ocean healthy.

15

APRIL

April 15: Homeschool Program: Guardians of the Sea Part 2 Students will continue their investigation and delve deeper into what it means to protect our world’s oceans and how things they do every day can impact the health of the ocean.

TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • SPRING 2015

18

APRIL texasstateaquarium.org

April 18: Party for the Planet Help us celebrate Earth Day as we Party for the Planet! We’ll have games, crafts, and giveaways, plus you can learn some easy ways that you can help keep our planet healthy. The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and wise stewardship of the Gulf of Mexico. Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and emphasizes our mission with fun, family events that encourage discovery at the Aquarium and beyond.

15

MAY

May 15: Endangered Species Day Join us as we celebrate the amazing animals that inhabit our world and learn all about how to help and protect the ones that are endangered or threatened.

We will have a host of fun and educational programming you won’t want to miss!

20 May 20: Homeschool Program: It’s a Bird World Pelicans, sandpipers, spoonbills, and herons – oh my! Students will fly right into facts and fun featuring the many feathered friends of the Coastal Bend are and beyond.

6

JUNE

June 6: World Oceans Day Party Hundreds of events are planned around the nation to help people get involved in solutions for a healthy ocean and society. By supporting clean energy choices, trash-free coasts and beaches, sustainable seafood, and more, we can celebrate the world’s oceans and keep them in good shape for generations to come. We’ll be featuring games, great activities, giveaways and more!

The Aquarium has extended Spring Break hours!

We will be open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. from Saturday, March 7 – Saturday, March 21

Hours of Operation Summer Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday – Sunday (begins March 1)

Winter Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday – Sunday (begins Labor Day)

Our Mission Connecting people with nature and inspiring conservation of the Gulf of Mexico.

Our Vision To be a nationally-recognized Aquarium leader in creating entertaining, educationally-enriching programming; conducting wildlife rehabilitation; and supporting conservation.

How To Contact Us: Accounting (361) 881-1286 Admissions (361) 881-1230 Donations & Development (361) 881-2612 Education & SeaCamp (361) 881-1204 Executive Offices (361) 881-1200 Event Rentals (361) 881-1244 Food Court (361) 881-1239 General Information (361) 881-1200 Gift Shop (361) 881-1232 Group Reservations (361) 881-1307 Guide Office (361) 881-1250 Injured Animal (361) 881-1210 Membership (361) 881-1340 Volunteers (361) 881-1381

The Texas State Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous, professional standards for animal care and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing, and more. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement and is your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.

The Texas State Aquarium was designated as a Coastal America Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center in 1998. Coastal America combines the resources of federal agencies with marine educational centers. The mutual partnership extends to involving communities in protection, preservation, and restoration projects throughout the Nation.