What is Environmental Enrichment?

Simply put, enrichment is anything that changes an animal’s environment.

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 species-appropriate 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 pre-existing 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.

Below is a link to a list of items that each department can use as EEDs. By donating money or directly buying one of those items, you can help to enhance the enrichment programs at the Texas State Aquarium. You may even be able to see your donation when visiting us!

Enrichment Wish List

With environmental enrichment, our animal keepers create environments that provide a stimulating life for our animals, with opportunities to engage in natural behavior, be more active and have more control over their environment. Enrichment helps satisfy both the physical and psychological needs of animals and allows them to make choices. Enrichment can come in many forms, including altering the animal’s physical environment, modifying animal care, creating social groupings and increasing sensory stimulation.
Want to help?

Below is our Enrichment Wish List of items you can purchase and donate for our animals!

Donations can be dropped off in person at the Aquarium or delivered to:
Texas State Aquarium
Attn: Animal Enrichment
2710 North Shoreline
Corpus Christi, TX 78402
(361) 881-1200

If you would like a receipt for an in-kind donation, please contact the Aquarium’s Development department at 1-800-477-GULF.