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 of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The exhibits would contain representatives of the area’s main marine ecosystems. The Gulf of Mexico 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 of Mexico 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.

WAZA

The goal of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums and like-minded organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

Look for these logos 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.

Aquarium Press Releases