Texas State Aquarium Press Packet
Please find media and information about the Texas State Aquarium below.
About the Texas State Aquarium
Texas State Aquarium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit association.
We are an educational resource, an environmental steward, and a lead in economic development for our visitors, community, and world. The Aquarium relies on general admissions, memberships, retail sales, event rentals, and generous donor support to maintain its operations.
The idea for the Texas State Aquarium was conceptualized by its founders early on to focus on the species in the Gulf and the Caribbean Sea. The exhibits would contain representatives of the area’s main marine ecosystems. The Gulf opened in 1990 with a commencement from former President Bush speaking to a front lawn packed with supporting visitors. After years in the making, the Caribbean Journey, part of the original vision, opened its doors in 2017. The Caribbean Journey doubled the size of the aquarium and provides homes to an exciting collection of sea and land creatures. In 2023, the Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue held its Grand Opening and completed the original master plan for the Aquarium.
Mission
The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.
Vision
To be a global leader in fostering support for the conservation of the Gulf and the Caribbean Sea.
Accreditations
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science and recreation. As part of AZA’s mandatory accreditation process, AZA members like Audubon Nature Institute meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, wildlife conservation, scientific research, education, expert staffing and safety.
Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals and a better future for all living things.
The Aquarium received its most recent accreditation in 2022.
Media
Please click below to find photos and b-roll of the facility and animals at the Aquarium. All credits go to Texas State Aquarium.
Aquarium Press Releases
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Texas State Aquarium Rescues Over 700 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Amid January 2025 Cold Weather
February 6, 2025
In response to two severe cold fronts that swept through South Texas in January 2025, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium launched extensive rescue operations, saving over 700 cold-stunned sea turtles, between January 10 and February 1.
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Over 275 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf
January 14, 2025
On Tuesday, January 14, the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue team successfully released 275 cold-stunned sea turtles into the Gulf, just days after their rescue from the frigid waters of the Upper Laguna Madre.
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Massive Sea Turtle Rescue Underway in Corpus Christi: Texas State Aquarium Rescues Nearly 300 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles
January 13, 2025
In response to the recent cold temperatures impacting South Texas, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium activated its emergency protocols to manage a sea turtle cold-stunning event.
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Texas State Aquarium Welcomes 18 Endangered Sea Turtles from New England
December 30, 2024
On Friday, December 27, the Texas State Aquarium admitted 18 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, flown from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts to Corpus Christi, Texas.
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Texas State Aquarium’s Rescue Otter Fisher Captures Hearts Around the World
November 21, 2024
A heartwarming Instagram reel featuring Fisher, a rescued North American river otter from the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, has captured the hearts of millions, going viral with over 20 million views and counting.
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Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Team Assists in the Evacuation, Rehabilitation, and Release of Hurricane-Displaced Mississippi Kites
September 20, 2024
Following Hurricane Beryl's displacement of young Mississippi Kite fledglings from their nests in Houston, the Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue swiftly intervened to provide assistance. From July 15 to July 23, a total of sixteen fledglings were brought to the Center, where they received thorough rehabilitation, including 24-hour care, hand-feedings, and health checks. After several weeks of dedicated care, thirteen of the sixteen fledglings were successfully returned to the wild just in time for their fall migration to South America.
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Texas State Aquarium Partners with Raising Cane's for Special Fundraising Event
August 28, 2024
Customers can mention Texas State Aquarium fundraiser at the register, and Raising Cane’s will donate 15% of net sales to the Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium. Thank you to Raising Cane’s for being a champion of Texas wildlife and advancing our mission!
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Manager Appointed for Wildlife Response Operations Center at Texas State Aquarium
July 24, 2024
United States Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander, Michael L. Griffin has recently retired and accepted a new role at the Wildlife Response Operations Center (WROC) as the Emergency Management Specialist.
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Texas State Aquarium's Center for Wildlife Rescue Admits Eight Hurricane-Evacuated Birds from Houston
July 16, 2024
Within days of notification, Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue received eight Mississippi Kite fledglings into its Bird Intensive Care Unit after Hurricane Beryl left the Houston area and its local wildlife with significant damage.
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Sink Your Teeth into Shark Week and Dive into Adventure at Texas State Aquarium
July 1, 2024
The Texas State Aquarium has plenty of jaw-some opportunities where you can learn more about our oceans’ top predators, their habits and characteristics.
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Texas State Aquarium Adjusts Operational Hours Due to Tropical Storm Alberto
June 19, 2024
Due to weather conditions and out of an abundance of caution, the Texas State Aquarium will be closed on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
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Texas State Aquarium's Wildlife Response Operations Center (WROC) Prepared for Active Hurricane Season on the Gulf Coast
June 13, 2024
The Texas State Aquarium is pleased to announce that the Wildlife Response Operations Center (WROC) stands ready to assist and care for Corpus Christi and South Texas coastal wildlife this hurricane season.
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USPS Issues Texas State Aquarium's 'Daisy' as Spotlight in Protect Sea Turtles Commemorative Forever Stamp
June 11, 2024
United States Postal Service (USPS), in collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and National Park Service (NPS), issued an eight-stamp Protect Sea Turtles collection to bring awareness to the endangered sea turtle population and to wildlife conservation efforts.
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Dive Into Memorial Day Weekend and Beat the Heat: Unforgettable Experiences Await at Texas State Aquarium
May 23, 2024
This Memorial Day weekend the Texas State Aquarium is extending its hours for the summer and introducing a new animal presentation to the schedule.
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Texas State Aquarium Ranked Among Top 5 Best Aquariums in the Nation by USA TODAY'S 10BEST Reader's Choice Award
May 22, 2024
Over the last few weeks, readers across Texas cast their ballots in an online poll for their favorite Aquarium. Texas State Aquarium was ranked #5 for Best Aquarium in North America!
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Make a Splash this Spring Break: Extended Hours, New 4-D Movie, and Splash Park Return at Texas State Aquarium
March 7, 2024
This Spring Break, March 9-17, the Texas State Aquarium is the place to be. Guests can enjoy up-close animal encounters, a new 4-D film on the life of sea turtles, the return of the Splash Park, added animal presentations, among other wild activities.
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Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Team Successfully Treats and Release over 275 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles
January 25, 2024
Following the severe cold front on January 15th that sent temperatures in South Texas plummeting below freezing, the Texas State Aquarium Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue activated its emergency plans and protocols in response to a sea turtle cold-stunning event.
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Texas State Aquarium Prepares for Impending Cold Front with Wildlife Rescue and Facility Readiness
January 12, 2024
In anticipation of the cold front set to impact Texas in the coming days, the Texas State Aquarium has initiated a comprehensive emergency response plan to safeguard both coastal wildlife and its main aquarium facilities.
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“Dream Night” For Families with Special Needs
June 13, 2023
On Friday, May 19th, the Texas State Aquarium hosted a luau-themed “Dream Night” to provide children with special needs and their families a private, modified evening to experience the Aquarium.
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Texas State Aquarium Welcomes Guests for Memorial Day Weekend
May 25, 2023
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Texas State Aquarium will extend its hours for the summer, launch a new 4D film, and add more animal presentations throughout the day!
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New H-E-B Splash Park Opening this Summer at the Texas State Aquarium
May 16, 2023
The Texas State Aquarium is pleased to announce an all-new H-E-B Splash Park will officially open this Summer!
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Wildlife Rescue on the Road Program Embarks on Inaugural Trip!
March 23, 2023
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) Wildlife Rescue on the Road program and rescue vehicle made its first stops outside of Corpus Christi!
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Largest Wildlife Rescue Center in Texas Now Open
March 3, 2023
On March 2nd, the Texas State Aquarium held the Grand Opening of the new Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue.
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Texas State Aquarium Brings Coastal Wildlife Rescue and Education Statewide with Support from Reliant
November 28, 2022
Reliant and the Texas State Aquarium (TSA) are coming together to expand coastal wildlife rescue and education efforts across the Lone Star State.
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Celebrate with Candy, Costumes, and Creatures at the Texas State Aquarium’s “Boo! In the Blue”
September 16, 2022
The Texas State Aquarium is thrilled to welcome guests back for Halloween under the sea with its annual Boo! In the Blue event.
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Texas State Aquarium Reports All-Time Record Economic Impact and Attendance In 2021
August 8, 2022
The Texas State Aquarium reported a record year in 2021 for both guest attendance and economic impact.
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Texas State Aquarium Granted Accreditation by Association of Zoos & Aquariums
April 29, 2022
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Texas State Aquarium was granted accreditation by AZA’s Independent Accreditation Commission.
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The Texas State Aquarium Board of Directors Appoints Jesse Gilbert as President and CEO
February 16, 2022
The Texas State Aquarium Board of Directors announced that Jesse Gilbert was named President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium, effective December 16, 2021.
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Animal Night Care Team Provides Quality Animal Care After Hours
Feb. 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.
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Sensory Sensitive Sundays Return to the Texas State Aquarium
January 11, 2022
The Texas State Aquarium announces Sensory Sensitive Sundays will return in 2022. Every 3rd Sunday during the winter and spring months, families with children with sensory sensitivities will be able to enjoy the Aquarium in a quieter, modified environment.