2019
LETTER FROM OUR CEO
CORPORATE PARTNERS
GREETINGS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, After a long cool winter, all of us here at the Texas State Aquarium are ready for spring. Spring in South Texas is a wonderful time of year, albeit too short, and before we know it, we will transition into our long hot summer. To help keep you cool this year, we will have two great new experiences at your Texas State Aquarium. First up, now showing in the Whataburger 4-D Theater: “Planet Earth: Ice Worlds 4D.” You and your family can take in the extraordinary imagery and special effects as you experience the frozen worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic. And adjacent to our theater is our newest special exhibition, “Polar Obsession,” featuring the incredible photography of National Geographic Explorer Paul Nicklen. Admission to both of these programs is included with your membership, and they will be running all summer. And while most of us here are focused on our on-site programming and activities, one of our team members just spent several weeks in South Africa, engaged in wildlife conservation work as important as anything we are doing here.
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Over the last several months, a lack of water at the Kamfers Dam in the North Cape region of South Africa has caused hundreds of adult lesser flamingos to abandon their hatchlings. Working with the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAZA), animal care experts from aquariums and zoos all over the world have traveled to the region to help care for more than 2,000 hatchlings. One of them is Lauren Wilson, the Aquarium’s Curator of Birds & Mammals. Lauren and the other specialists are monitoring their health, feeding the birds baby formula, prawns and fish, and administering electrolytes. The hope is that once the birds reach the age of three to four months, they can be released back into their natural habitat in South Africa. This story is a good reminder of why modern accredited aquariums and zoos are so relevant. Collectively, no one else has the scale to be able to respond quickly to wildlife emergencies such as this. We are proud to play a small role in this herculean effort to save an important species.
Tom Schmid President and CEO
SPRING 2019
ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT
DOLPHINS Marvelous Marine Mammals As summer fun approaches, we’re featuring in this Animal Spotlight some critters that really know how to throw a pool party – our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! Shadow, Kai, Liko and Schooner have shared the 450,000-gallon Dolphin Bay exhibit for over three years, since Liko and Schooner were introduced in early 2016. These intelligent animals are cared for by a dedicated Marine Mammal team that spends every day ensuring these dolphins are kept healthy in mind and body. Each day, the dolphins can consume as much as 20 pounds of fish, per dolphin! Capelin and herring is fed out throughout the day, and these restaurantquality fish are often supplemented with vitamins or other supplements to help keep the dolphins healthy.
Kai
During a visit, you may see our dolphins “playing” with various items. We call these “enrichment devices” and they help to replicate the dolphin’s natural behaviors. While they may seem like simple toys, there’s a lot of research that goes into making sure the dolphins have enrichment devices that meet their welfare needs. The dolphins’ participation in daily presentations also helps keep them active and healthy. We put a lot into giving our dolphins the best possible enrichment, diets, habitat, and more, not just because we care about our dolphins, but because Liko, Kai, Shadow and Schooner are “ambassadors” for their species, inspiring thousands of our guests each year to care for and protect these incredible marine mammals.
Liko
Schooner
Shadow
Have any questions about how else we provide world-class care for our dolphins? Feel free to ask a Dolphin Bay trainer on your next visit! SPRING 2019
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IN FROM THE COLD LETTER FROM OUR CEO
PAUL NICKLEN/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Narwhals dive deep under the ice to feed on Arctic cod, then return to the surface to breathe and raise their tusks high in the air. The exhibition is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society.
Guests now have two new ways to explore the Arctic and Antarctic worlds of penguins, polar bears, narwhals, and more... but don’t worry, you can leave the winter coat at home. In fact, you don’t even have to leave South Texas! A newly-arrived National Geographic photo exhibition, “Polar Obsession” and 4D film “Planet Earth: Ice Worlds 4D” will introduce guests to the frigid and frozen environments around the world – and best of all, both experiences are included with admission.
Polar Obsession Explore the beauty and majesty of the Arctic when you visit “Polar Obsession”, a National Geographic exhibit featuring the photography of Paul Nicklen. The images take visitors underwater and across the ice, delivering a unique close-up of wildlife in the Arctic and Antarctic. “Polar Obsession” will be on exhibit until September 3, 2019 at the Texas State Aquarium and is included with admission or membership. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org/polar-obsession
Planet Earth: Ice Worlds 4D Experience ® This BBC Earth 4D film at Texas State Aquarium will allow guests to virtually explore the mysterious frozen worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic and the effects of the ice on the animals that live there. This 12-minute fully immersive experience will show daily every hour in the Aquarium’s Whataburger 4-Dimension Theater through Labor Day, with tickets included at no extra charge with admission or membership. “Planet Earth: Ice Worlds 4D” will run daily alternating with showings of “The Deep 4D: Mystery of the Ancient Amulet.” Planet Earth: Ice Worlds is a BBC/Discovery Channel/NHK co-production in association with the CBC. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org/ice-worlds
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SPRING 2019
AQUARIUM NEWS
PARTY FOR THE PLANET How do you get kids excited about protecting Planet Earth? You throw a party for it! At Party for the Planet, we put a fun, kid-friendly spin on Earth Day with an experiences aimed at getting the next generation to care about the ocean and the creatures that call it home. During our celebration on April 20, you’ll learn more about conservation during our daily presentations and see some Earth Daythemed animal enrichment and dive shows. You’ll have an opportunity to make a “Pledge for the Planet,” and see your eco-friendly promise in one our exhibits! Make your pledge today at texasstateaquarium.org/pledge. For more information, please visit texasstateaquarium.org/partyfortheplanet.
SPRING 2019
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aQUARIUM NEWS
A FLAMINGOOD CAUSE Aquarium Staffer Joins South African Flamingo Rescue
W
hen rescuers arrived at Kamfers Dam in late January, they were horrified by what they found. An important section of this dam, a rare oasis in the dry region of Kimberly, South Africa, is usually alive with the colors and calls of thousands of lesser flamingos, preening themselves and tending to their young among the rich shallow waters.
starvation, or falling victim to predators.
Instead, they discovered a cracked lakebed that more resembled the surface of Mars than a thriving flamingo breeding habitat. Most alarmingly, thousands of abandoned flamingo chicks lay about – hungry, cold, and crying out for their parents. Left alone by adult flamingos fleeing the dried-out area of the dam, these chicks faced death by dehydration,
American accredited zoos and aquariums answered the call by the hundreds. Dallas Zoo led an emergency effort in coordination with the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA), drawing upon the wealth of experience and expertise among zoo and aquarium’s animal care staff.
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Acting quickly, rescuers moved the rescued chicks to various bird rehabilitation facilities across the region. While the birds were safe for the time-being, South African rescuers were overwhelmed by the number of birds and short on qualified staff, and asked for help from the international community.
In February, Texas State Aquarium’s Curator of Birds & Mammals Lauren Wilson joined the international rescue mission. Wilson traveled to the Kimberly SPCA, where she initially assisted with feeding and exercising 15 flamingo chicks in hopes of returning them to their natural habitat. When more than 300 flamingo eggs were once again abandoned, likely due to feral and domestic dogs, Wilson assisted with the rescue of these eggs and helped hatch and care for the resulting chicks. She also helped design and build a large enclosure to house the chicks as they recovered, and helped train staff to respond to a flamingo abandonment, should one happen again.
SPRING 2019
AQUARIUM NEWS
Lauen Wilson, Curator of Birds & Mammals, assisted rescuers with the intake, medical treatment, feeding, and other caretaking needs of hundreds of abandoned flamingo eggs and chicks in South Africa.
The international combination of rescuers from zoos and aquariums around the world turned what could have been a tragic loss of thousands of flamingos into an inspiring conservation story, and a reminder of why facilities like the Texas State Aquarium are so critical to saving wildlife around the world. Nowhere else is there the collective expertise, sense of cooperation, and willingness to carry out a rescue mission of this scale than in the world’s accredited zoos and aquariums.
SPRING 2019
Wilson returned to Texas in March, and while the flamingo’s rescue mission continues on in her absence, her presence there, along with that of other qualified rescuers, surely saved thousands of flamingos’ lives. In time, Kamfers Dam could once again be filled with the bright sights and sounds of thousands of flamingos, all thanks to rescuers from around the world that were willing to take these abandoned birds under their wings.
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AQUARIUM NEWS
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n January 26, the Texas State Aquarium held its annual AQUA Reception, which honors members of the Aquarium’s Aqua Society. Individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations that have provided generous support to the Aquarium through significant cumulative giving are recognized at the reception. The highlight of the annual reception is presenting the Golden Star Award to an individual or business that has been extraordinary in their dedication, leadership and support of the Aquarium. It was the Aquarium’s honor to recognize Larry Urban and Gene Urban as the recipients of the 2019 Golden Star Award. Larry Urban is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees and played a critical role in the construction of Caribbean Journey. Gene Urban, also, a past Chair of the Board of Trustees played a critical role in planning and
Tom Schmid, Texas State Aquarium President & CEO; Larry Urban, 2019 Golden Star recipient; and Julie Buckley, Chair, Texas State Aquarium Board of Trustees
construction of Dolphin Bay. Gene Urban’s children accepted the award in honor of their father who passed away in 1999.
Larry Urban and Family Accepting the Golden Star Award for Gene Urban; Chuck and Yma Urban, Dan and Courtney Urban
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Shawn and Pam O’Connor, Larry and Karen Urban, Katie and Chip Urban
SPRING 2019
AQUARIUM NEWS
SKIP
THE
STRAW
Discover why your your last straw can be a first step towards saving the ocean from a devastating plastic pollution crisis.
S
ingle-use plastic is everywhere these days. You’ll find cheap but durable materials like plastic cutlery, cups and packaging in almost every store and home around the world. Unfortunately, you’ll also find plastic scattered throughout the ocean, where these artificial materials are causing some very real problems. As plastic is used and mindlessly discarded, it piles up in our landfills, and because of mismanaged waste disposal, it often ends up in the ocean. Today, plastic makes up more than 80 percent of all pollution in the ocean, and by 2050, if nothing is done, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
SPRING 2019
So how do we begin to turn the tide on the rising threat of plastic pollution? Well, you start with replacing something small, like a plastic straw. This “first step” can be help eliminate countless plastic straws from entering the ocean, and better yet, can pave the way for bigger, even more meaningful ways to get rid of plastic. Through the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, we’re encouraging others to follow our lead in skipping the straw, a small act that can make a big difference for the ocean. Join us on our plastic-free journey and take the pledge by texting PLASTIC to 49767. You can also take the pledge at www.ourhands.org.
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RESCUE, REHABILITATION, RELEASE LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Every year, hundreds of shorebirds and raptors that are injured in the wild are given a second chance at life thanks to the heroic efforts of our Wildlife Rescue Center staff. See the stories of three birds from their injury or abandonment, to their rescue and rehabilitation, to their successful release!
Pelican
RESCUE: This pelican was rescued after being entangled in fishing line. In its struggle to escape, the bird only wrapped itself further in monofilmanent fishing line and inhaled water. REHABILITATION: The pelican’s wounds were treated for any potential infections, and after some monitoring, the pelican was shown to be clear of any infection and able to fly. RELEASE: In February, the pelican was released at a waterway in western Corpus Christi. It flew for several minutes before touching down for a quick “bath” in the water, clearly comfortable in its environment.
Osprey
RESCUE: This osprey came to us from another rescue facility, with burns suffered to its legs and most of its feathers. REHABILITION: Oral and topical medications were prescribed for the leg burns. With treatment, the burns have now healed!Staff is awaiting a natural molt from the bird to replace the damaged feathers. RELEASE: The osprey will be released as soon as his feathers have molted and his new feathers have grown in!
Baby Barn Owls RESCUE: This clutch (group of owls) was found in a roof of a building that was about to be demolished. Without their parents, they were unlikely to survive, so they were transported to our Rescue Center. REHABILITION: The young owls were fed by hand for some time and then conditioned to ensure they could fly and hunt on their own. RELEASE: In February, two of the baby barn owls were released, while the third owl was released shortly thereafter!
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SPRING 2019
CALENDAR
APRIL 7
Sensory Sensitive Sunday
APRIL 22
PARTY FOR THE PLANET Hours of Operation Spring Hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily H-E-B Splash Park Hours Weekends only until Memorial Day Open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Contact Us: Sensory Sensitive Sundays provide an Aquarium experience tailored to the needs and comfort of local families facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorders and other sensory challenges. For more information, please call 361-881-1381.
APRIL 13
EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST: MEMBERS ONLY
Enjoy activities and experiences focusing on conservation throughout of Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Journey habitats. All activities FREE with your admission. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org/partyfortheplanet
MAY 29 DREAM NIGHT
General Information (361) 881-1200 Development Office (361) 881-1340 Education & SeaCamp (361) 881-1204 Event Rentals (361) 881-1244 Group Reservations (361) 653-2602 Injured Animal (361) 881-1210 Membership (361) 881-1341 Volunteer Office (361) 881-1381 Wildlife Rescue and Recovery: (361) 881-1210 The Texas State Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Aquarium members can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a breakfast buffet, keeper chats, and close encounters with some feathered friends! Get your tickets at texasstateaquarium.org/earlybird
APRIL 17 Homeschool
A magical night at the Aquarium for children with special needs and their families. Email avlach@txstateaq.org for ticket information.
FOLLOW US!
texasstateaquarium.org
OUR MISSION
Homeschool learners will discover animal adaptations, and head to the field to observe animals and how they use their special abilities. Sign up at texasstateaquarium.org/homeschool
SPRING 2019
To engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1235 Corpus Christi, TX
HONOR MOM THIS
MOTHER’S DAY by leaving a lasting memory at the Aquarium!
The Aquarium is a place where many family memories are made, and you can cement that memory with an engraved paver. Show your love for Mom on Mother’s Day with a personalized paver at the Aquarium! Place your order today by calling 361-881-1340.
SPRING 2019
