Star - Winter 2014

AQUARIUM NEWS

WINTER 2014

WINTER 2014 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

LETTER FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends,

plan – will transform our Aquarium from a leading regional aquarium to one of the top aquariums in the nation. The news of our impending expansion was met with great enthusiasm both locally and around the state. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times went as far as to say that our Caribbean Journey expansion “will make Corpus Christi bigger, richer and smarter.”

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s 2014 draws to a close, I wanted to thank you again for your support and share with you a few highlights that your membership support helped make possible: •

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This spring we announced a transformational $1 million gift from Flint Hills Resources to create the new Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education.

We also unveiled our new Nearshore Experience, which portrays life at the shoreline, where sand dunes and mangroves meet shallow saltwater habitats.

Many of the animals in the new Nearshore were brought to the Aquarium’s Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program injured or ill, were rehabilitated and deemed not releasable, and now serve as ambassadors to their wild counterparts.

In May, the Aquarium earned the prestigious 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Beautify Corpus Christi Association presented the Aquarium with its first Sustainability Award for our attention to detail in our landscape and maintenance, and we received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award, given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.com.

On June 25, we publicly announced plans for the largest expansion in the Aquarium’s 24-year history. Bringing the sights, sounds, and vibrant wildlife of the Western Caribbean to the shores of Corpus Christi, the $50 million Caribbean Journey addition – which completes the final two phases of the Aquarium’s original master

TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • WINTER 2014 TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • WINTER 2014

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In August, USA TODAY announced your aquarium had been voted one of the ten best aquariums in North America through the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Aquarium in North America poll. Thanks to the efforts of our supporters like you, we finished with the second highest vote total.

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In October, we announced this year’s list of Wildlife Care, Conservation and Research Fund grant recipients. This year, we awarded a total almost $80,000 to a number of worthy research projects.

And finally, on December 10th, as our campaign total reached $27.5 million, we broke ground on the long awaited construction of the Caribbean Journey building.

In 2015, our plans include a complete renovation of our Shoreline Grill restaurant, upgrades to our Dolphin Bay program, and a new temporary exhibit focused on sharks and the exciting work conducted by scientists at the Harte Research Institute. Stay tuned for more information, and thanks again for being a member of the Texas State Aquarium. Happy holidays!

Tom Schmid President and CEO

The Texas State Aquarium is

Proud Partners with:

AQUARIUM NEWS

AQUARIUM BREAKS GROUND ON HISTORIC EXPANSION It’s a dream almost 40 years old, and it’s finally coming true! On December 10, the Texas State Aquarium broke ground on the largest expansion in its history – a new 65,000 square foot Caribbean Journey experience that will bring the sights, sounds, and vibrant wildlife of the Western Caribbean to the shores of Corpus Christi.

“This is truly a historic milestone for the Aquarium,” said Aquarium President & CEO Tom Schmid. “Over 25 years ago, our founders had a vision to take our guests on a journey from the Gulf of Mexico into the Caribbean Sea. Today, we begin construction on the final phase of the original master plan, and once open in 2017, this expansion will complete that vision. We will have one of the nation’s great aquariums right here in Corpus Christi.”

our conservation and wildlife rehabilitation programs; and more opportunities for our Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education.

The new Caribbean Journey wing will be significantly larger than the original Gulf of Mexico exhibit building. “The new wing will be 50 percent larger, however, in terms of indoor exhibit space. It will more than double what we currently have,” said Aquarium

“Over 25 years ago, our founders had a vision to take our guests on a journey from the Gulf of Mexico into the Caribbean Sea. Today, we begin construction on the final phase of the original master plan, and once open in 2017, this expansion will complete that vision. We will have one of the nations’ great aquariums right here in Corpus Christi.”

With an estimated completion date of Spring 2017, the Aquarium will complete the final expansion of a visionary master plan that will include an exciting Caribbean Journey wing, featuring; Caribbean fish, bird, and reptile species; a 4D Theater; a further expansion of

President and CEO Tom Schmid. “This is going to be a multi-level, highly immersive, state-of-the-art experience.”

The Aquarium launched the leadership phase of Campaign Caribbean, a $50 million capital campaign to raise the required funds for the construction of the Caribbean Journey wing, in 2012. Since that time, a number of generous donors have stepped forward to help support the Aquarium’s goal and vision, and to date over $27 million has been raised.

In June of this year, the Aquarium publicly announced its intention to build the Caribbean Journey expansion at the same time it announced that longtime Aquarium and community supporter H-E-B generously donated $3 million to the Aquarium’s expansion efforts. Rob Hall, Group Vice President of H-E-B Gulf Coast Region stated, “The Texas State Aquarium is one of the most significant educational resources in our state. H-E-B is pleased to continue our partnership with the Aquarium because we believe this investment represents our passion for education and our commitment to the communities we serve.”

In March, the Aquarium had announced a $1 million gift from Flint Hills Resources Center to create and fund the Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education at the Texas State Aquarium. Over the next five years, the Center will endeavor to provide leadership in the STEM education community, empower staff and area educators with best and “next” practices, demonstrate excellence in STEM and environmental education through an emphasis on science process skills, double Aquarium education program participation from 60,000 to 120,000 learners per year, and produce measureable gains in environmental, marine, and general STEM literacy among all audiences.

In September, the Aquarium announced a $500,000 gift from Valero Energy dedicated toward the Caribbean Journey wing. Valero’s gift will sponsor the new entryway into the Caribbean Journey experience, introducing guests to the sights, sounds, and vibrant wildlife of the Western Caribbean.

“For more than three decades, Valero has been committed to the Coastal Bend Region through the jobs we create and the contributions we invest in our community,” said WINTER 2014 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

AQUARIUM NEWS Thanks to their generous continuing support, we are going to be able to bring the Coastal Bend area its first 4D Theater. 4D will bring guests the richest theater experience possible – the action spills out of the screen over the audience with thrill-enhancing sensory special effects—from water mist and smoke clouds to tremors beneath the feet.”

Dennis Payne, Vice President and General Manager, Valero Corpus Christi Refineries.

“This gift for the Texas State Aquarium is another demonstration of our commitment to Corpus Christi, especially causes that focus on education and environmental sustainability. It’s Valero’s hope that this new entryway will usher in a wave of excitement for tourists, residents, and businesses across the state.”

Another well known Corpus Christi community supporter, Whataburger, announced a $1 million contribution to the Aquarium’s Campaign Caribbean in October. The gift is earmarked for the naming of a 4D Theater in the Caribbean Journey experience – the first theater of its kind south of San Antonio.

The theater will be developed by SimExIwerks, which specializes in designing, building and operating 4D Experiences® that feature blockbuster content licensed from the world’s major studios. Their 4D theaters, fitted with 3D high definition projection with in-seat and in-theater effects to create fully immersive experiences, include a variety of special effects, including bubbles, snow,

scent, FX lighting, water mist, seat vibrations, and wind.

As you can see, the Texas State Aquarium will be going through some major changes, beginning soon. We ask you to grow with us, as our master plan has always been and will always be how we can better serve our guests and our community. We’re certain that our expansion will help to set a precedent for excellence in aquariums, sustainability, and conservation, as well as education opportunities―both in the classroom and out―for minds of all ages to better understand and appreciate the wonderful species of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

A rendering of what the exterior of the Aquarium will look like after the Caribbean Journey expansion is completed.

Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid said, “Whataburger and the Dobson family have been steadfast Aquarium supporters and partners for many years.

YOUR AQUARIUM

Give a Gift That Keeps on Giving!

The Texas State Aquarium is making gift giving easy this holiday season.

Enjoy 10% off of gift memberships this December with promo code “Holiday.”* TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • WINTER 2014

Memberships are the perfect gift for friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors.

The recipients will be able to enjoy free admission to the Texas State Aquarium and free parking for 12 months, so they can come and enjoy the Aquarium as much as they please. They will also receive discounts at the Shoreline Grill, as well as 10% off in our gift shop.

Members of the Texas State Aquarium receive half-price admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums across the United States, and nine

of those institutions are here in Texas!

The purchase of a gift membership helps support your favorite Aquarium in our mission to connect people with nature and promote the conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, please call our Membership Office at (361) 881-1340 or visit our website at texasstateaquarium.org. *This offer cannot be combined with other discounts and is only valid on gift memberships.

CURRENT EVENTS

CURRENT EVENTS Aquarium Named One of Top 10 in North America in USA Today Poll One of the top honors the Aquarium received this year was being named one of the top ten aquariums in North America by the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. The Texas State Aquarium, which finished with the second highest vote total, was one of 20 nominees selected to vie for the top 10 spots, and was the only nominee from Texas.

The USA TODAY editorial team utilized data provided by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a trade association which holds its members to the highest of industry standards, to choose the 20 nominees for Best Aquarium in North America. Data including annual visitor count, square footage, total aquarium gallons, membership numbers, affordability of entrance fees, awards won, and commitment to conservation efforts were the factors weighed to nominate contenders for the competition. The voting period was July 23 through August 18.

According to Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid, “Being nominated by the USA TODAY’s editorial team based on their analysis of AZA data was a great compliment to our Aquarium and the work we do both at our facility and around the Coastal Bend. To now be honored as one of the 10 best aquariums in North America is both humbling and gratifying. This honor would not have come without the tremendous outpouring of support from our fans all over and especially our local community. On behalf of the Aquarium, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us.”

Aquarium Receives 2014 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor awarded the Aquarium with its 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award, indicating exceptional hospitality and consistent excellence. The accolade is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor,

Aquarium Named

One of Top 10

in North America in USA Today Poll and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.

“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at the Aquarium, and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid.

“There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”

National Weather Service Designates Aquarium as StormReady Supporter The Aquarium recently received a big honor from the National Weather Service (NWS) by being deemed a “StormReady Supporter.”

StormReady is a nationwide community preparedness program, that helps communities and facilities develop plans to handle all types of severe weather—from tornadoes to tsunamis. StormReady Supporters can be local businesses, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, or stadiums that promote the principles and guidelines of the StormReady program in their severe weather safety and awareness plans. The program provides emergency managers and facility operators with clear-cut guidelines on how to improve their hazardous weather operations.

Due to the Aquarium’s on-site shelter locations, preparedness activities, Severe Weather Warning Reception, communication system, and hazardous weather response plan, we were given the honor.

NWS officials were very impressed with the Texas State Aquarium’s hazard weather response plan. The Aquarium has installed multiple NOAA Weather Radio receivers throughout the facility, and has instituted a highly organized plan to notify and shelter employees and visitors in the event hazardous weather threatens their site.

WINTER 2014 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

CURRENT EVENTS Aquarium Establishes Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM Education Flint Hills Resources donated $1 million earlier this year to help the Aquarium recognize its vision to reach more children through and interest them in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education. The Aquarium has established its Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM Education, which will bring together best practices and innovation from the fields of education, research and industry to advance STEM education and learning, in and out of the classroom, in South Texas and beyond.

Aquarist Participates in SECORE Efforts in Mexico In August, the Aquarium was invited to send an aquarist to participate in leading coral conservation organization SECORE’s (Sexual Coral Reproduction) “Project Mexico” in Punto Morelos, Mexico. The project is ongoing and is focused on coral reproduction and propagation, as well as the conservation of endangered habitat-building coral species, such as Elkhorn coral.

Aquarist Rafael Calderon was excited to be included in the efforts, which included collecting, analyzing, and helping along the coral reproduction process. Calderon said he was proud to represent the Aquarium and eager to work with SECORE again.

“Elkhorn coral is an important species. Not only does it provide habitats for other corals and ocean life, it also diffuses wave actions during storms,” Calderon stated. Calderon is the third aquarist from the Aquarium chosen to work with SECORE.

Aquarium Earns BCCA’s First Sustainability Award Earlier this year, the Beautify Corpus Christi Association (BCCA) presented the Aquarium with its Sustainability Award for the facility’s attention to detail in its landscape and maintenance. It was the first time the BCCA has given the Sustainability Award, and the Aquarium was thrilled to be its first recipient.

According to BCCA Executive Director Chelsea Craig, “The Texas State Aquarium is a gem to this community for more reasons than I can count. One of particular interest to us is the Aquarium staff’s unwavering dedication to the Aquarium grounds. From the time the Aquarium is in view of its visitors, the enjoyment begins. The wonders inside only continue its charm. The Aquarium is beautiful inside and out, and BCCA wanted to take this opportunity to honor the Aquarium staff for their continued hard work.”

“Our staff has worked very hard over the years to maintain attractive grounds while constantly striving to employ environmentally sustainable practices such as converting larger landscaping beds to xeriscape beds, using drought-tolerant plant species, and using crushed granite material instead of plantbased mulch,” explained Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid. “We are thrilled to have our efforts recognized by the Beautify Corpus Christi Association.”

Founded in 1968, the Beautify Corpus Christi Association’s mission is to realize a clean, beautiful environment to enhance the quality of life for residents and the enjoyment of visitors in Corpus Christi.

WCCR SPOTLIGHT

WILDLIFE CARE, CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH FUND

Aquarium Announces 2014 Wildlife Care, Conservation, and Research Fund Recipients In 2013, the Texas State Aquarium established the Wildlife Care, Conservation, and Research Fund (WCCR) to further the Aquarium’s mission of inspiring conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. Each year, the Aquarium will award funding to programs that focus on habitat restoration, wildlife management, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation in the Gulf. Projects must focus on species in the Aquarium’s living collecTEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • WINTER 2014

tion or habitats that support those species.

Aquarium President & CEO Tom Schmid says, “We are very excited to continue to offer this program and help further research and conservation projects of that can make a difference to the species and ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico. As a not-for-profit entity, we are acutely aware of how important grant funding is to projects, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to others.”

On October 21, the Texas State Aquarium was pleased to announce the following 2014 WCCR Fund recipients: Sharks with Spectators II – Real-time, global tracking of Texas’ marine apex predators for science, education, and research

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi – Harte Research Institute / Greg Stunz and Matt Ajemian This project is awarded $15,000 and will build upon the work Dr. Stunz’s team completed with WCCR funds in 2013. Project scientists will tag and track large sharks. Information concerning the animals’ current location and past movements will be sent to the Coastal Bend and global community allowing for outreach and education opportunities and better understanding of declining shark populations.

Citizen Science – Larval blue crab monitoring project Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve / Ed Buskey and Colleen McCue This project is awarded $15,000 and will

SECOND CHANCES further inspection, staff saw that the owl was dehydrated and also had poor, shallow breathing.

BARN OWL REHABILITATED, RELEASED IN SABLATURA PARK

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he crate door is opened and the snowy white barn owl darts out in a whoosh of feathers. He banks right, flying between two live oaks, turns left toward the horizon, and is gone.

If you had asked Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Wildlife Care Specialist Laura Martinelli about the same owl when he first came to the Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, she would have told you an entirely different story.

Shutt added that birds largely use tail feathers to steer when they fly.

When Martinelli saw the owl literally fly off into the sunset at Sablatura Park near RobbMartinelli and other Second Chances staff stown on November 13, she said releases kept a close eye on the owl, monitoring his are her favorite part of her job. “It’s such a vital signs and his attitude. They tracked his great feeling. You see them hurt and down weight gain, hydration when they come in, status, his diet, and and it can be really “I love what we do here,” said closely examined the hard sometimes. But Shutt, “We take in injured animals, growth of his tail feathseeing them return to heal and release them back into the freedom, to their natuers. Senior Wildlife wild, and give them a second chance ral habitats, it makes Care Specialist Kelley at having a healthy life.”

Shutt said that the everything worth it,” substantial growth of explained Martinelli. his tail feathers and his substantially improved flying and hunting capabilities led the The program’s name truly says it all. “I mean, Second Chances staff to determine he was I love what we do here,” said Shutt, “We take ready to be released. in injured animals, heal and release them back into the wild, and give them a second “If a bird can’t fly, there’s no way we can chance at having a healthy life.” release it back into the wild,” Martinelli asserted. “We were all really happy when we So far in 2014, Second Chances as rehabilinoted positive indications – his tail feathers tated and released 215 animals back into the were beginning to grow in.” wild.

“He was extremely lethargic,” Martinelli said.

“His overall attitude was poor, he had lacerations on his legs, no tail feathers – he was a mess.”

The adult owl came to Second Chances via Alice, Texas, where a good Samaritan found him in a recumbent state and took the injured bird to the Second Chances Hospital. Upon

continue the work of an existing collaboration of researchers and citizens with the goal of obtaining long term information about the recruitment of larval blue crabs to the MissionAransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The importance of freshwater inflows and passes between the Gulf of Mexico and coastal estuaries in times of drought to blue crab larval recruitment will be investigated.

Identifying nesting habitat for Texas diamondback terrapins in the Nueces Estuary with implications for other Texas estuaries Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi – Center for Coastal Studies / Aaron Baxter This project is awarded is $14,500 and will attempt to identify nest sites for Texas diamondback terrapins in the Nueces Estuary.

Texas diamondback terrapins are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas and it is necessary to identify and preserve functional nesting habitat.

velop biological indicators that could be used to evaluate the risk of infectious outbreak at the Flower Garden Banks as well as other Caribbean reefs.

Texas Stream Team monofilament finders Texas State University – Meadows Center / Meredith Miller This project is awarded $14,000 and will engage a well-established statewide citizen science network with partner organizations in monofilament education, collection, and recycling.

Validating Atlantic tarpon scale chemistry to track migration in Texas waters University of Texas Marine Science Institute / Benjamin Walther This project is awarded $3,000 and will test the use of chemical compositions of Atlantic tarpon scales to reconstruct migration patterns.

Biomarkers to assess risks of infectious disease in corals University of Texas at Austin / Mikhail Matz This project is awarded $11,900 and will deWINTER 2014 • TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

CALENDAR

DECEMBER/14 13-24 Dec. 13-24: Scuba Santa; Scuba Santa will visit our daily “Diver in the Water” presentations at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Flower Gardens exhibit. After Santa hands out goodies to the fish and other Flower Gardens residents, he will be available to take photos with guests who want to appear as if they are underwater with Scuba Santa!

15 Dec. 15 – March 2015: Food Court Renovation In order to bring you and your family the best dining experience possible, our Shoreline Grill restaurant will close for renovations on Monday, December 15 and is expected to reopen in early March 2015. During this period, the Burger Barn window - location between Shoreline Grill and the Dolphin Bay Underwater Viewing Room on the ground floor - will be open to serve guests. We will also be serving food out of our mobile cooking unit, which will be stationed at the Koch Pavillion, located behind Dolphin Bay and to the right of the Aquarium main building.

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JANUARY/15

Homeschool Program: Ocean Exploration How do you explore something so vast and huge?

Come learn how we delve into the depths of the ocean at our Homeschool Program. The morning program is from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon program is 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Kindergarten through 2nd grade is $8, 3rd – 5th grade is $8, and 6th – 8th grade is $10. Call or email Randy Slayton at 361-881-123 or rslayton@ txstateaq.org to register or for more information.

27 Sensational Sustainable Seafood It’s back! We’ll be hosting another Sensational Sustainable Seafood event at the Aquarium from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. It’s sure to be an educational and delectable evening as we examine farm raised fish.!

FEBRUARY/15 1

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

Monday – Sunday (begins March 1)

SeaCamp Registration Open for Members SeaCamp is a memorable and educational way for your child to spend the summer! Members are invited to register early here beginning on February 1st: http://texasstateaquarium.org/programscamps/summer-seacamp/

3 Science Teacher Workshop: Integrating Real World Applications Series: From the Field to the Classroom Grades 6-12 The Aquarium will be hosting a workshop specifically for science teachers about how to translate real world knowledge and practices to the classroom.

For more information or to register, visit: http:// texasstateaquarium.org/programs-camps/ teacher-resources/

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4th Annual Valentine’s Day Dinner Bring your honey and have the most romantic date night in town! For more information or to register, please call (361) 881-1244 or email reserve@ txstateaq.org.

18 Homeschool Program: Invertebrates From insects to crustaceans, corals to sponges, learn all about invertebrate creatures and what kinds we have here at the Aquarium. The morning program is from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon program is 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Kindergarten through 2nd grade is $8, 3rd – 5th grade is $8, and 6th – 8th grade is $10. Call or email Randy Slayton at 361-881123 or rslayton@txstateaq.org to register or for more information.

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MARCH/15

H-E-B Splash Park Opens The H-E-B Splash Park opens for the season and will be open weekends only until Memorial Day weekend with the exception of Spring Break (March 14-22), during which the Splash Park will be open daily.

TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM • WINTER 2014

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) 881-1324 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.