Around the Clock Animal Care and Monitoring at the Texas State Aquarium

February 1, 2022

Day and night, if an animal, exhibit, or support system needs attention, a dedicated animal care team is always on-site for maintenance and corrective action if needed.

The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) provides animal care around the clock for the 4,000 animals in its care.  Day and night, if an animal, exhibit, or support system needs attention, a dedicated animal care team is always on-site for maintenance and corrective action if needed. 

No matter the time of day, Aquarium staff continuously provides quality life support for all the animals that call the Aquarium their home. After the Aquarium closes its’ doors for the day, and the animal care day shift ends, another animal care team steps in, our night monitors. From sunset to sunrise, these monitors keep an eye out from the smallest sea horse all the way up to the largest dolphin.

“The animal care monitors’ sole job is to ensure that our animals are safe and in suitable environments. They’re an incredible, dedicated force of individuals, and no matter the time of day, they stay alert in case help is needed,” says Texas State Aquarium President & CEO Jesse Gilbert.

Most of their night is spent in the dark. When the midnight shift arrives, the lights are off, so that the animals can continue to have regular day and night routines. Every hour, these monitors complete a walk-through of the facility to make sure the life support systems are functioning properly and that the animals are doing well.

“Because of my unique schedule, I was able to see a much different side of the animals than our guests normally see. I have a BS in Marine Biology as well as an AS in Chemistry and used every bit of that knowledge in my work,” says Aubrey Benton, former animal care monitor, current Life Support Operator.

During the winter months, South Texas begins to experience weather changes. Incoming cold fronts can negatively impact an exhibit’s oxygen levels, especially in some of the ones that are located outside. Overnight, the team will remain alert and check oxygen levels, ready to rectify any challenges that might present themselves. Regardless of the issues, these monitors ensure that they take every opportunity that may arise to mitigate any challenges and keep the animals’ health and safety as their top priority.

“We offer the absolute best care that we possibly can to the animals,” adds Gilbert. “We have trained staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re all highly observant, and independent individuals who have extensive knowledge about animal behavior and water chemistry.”

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