Texas State Aquarium Readies Wildlife Rescue Operations as Cold Front Approaches
January 20, 2026
Corpus Christi, TX – In anticipation of the cold front expected to impact the Texas Coast this weekend, the Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue has activated emergency response protocols to protect vulnerable coastal wildlife.
As temperatures drop, the Center is prepared to respond to cold-stunned and at-risk animals through the activation of the Wildlife Response Operations Center (WROC), which coordinates regional rescue, care, and rehabilitation efforts.
“We’ve been closely monitoring weather forecasts,” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium. “Early indicators of this cold weather pattern allowed us to begin preparations last week. Our priority is protecting vulnerable wildlife, especially sea turtles, and working alongside our partners to ensure a coordinated response.”
This potential activation would mark the third cold-stunning event supported by the WROC. This Operations Center operates in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas General Land Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, the National Park Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Port Corpus Christi.
In preparation for the cold front, the Center for Wildlife Rescue has established large, heated emergency response pools capable of accommodating a potential influx of cold-stunned sea turtles. Specialized wildlife rescue teams remain on standby, ready to deploy for immediate rescue operations. This advanced training and equipment ensure a swift and effective response to wildlife emergencies caused by extreme weather.
Beyond active response, the WROC also serves as a centralized hub for pre-disaster planning, supporting wildlife response efforts related to freezing temperatures, tropical weather, hazardous spills, and fires. When activated, the WROC implements tiered response levels to provide coordinated support aimed at minimizing impacts to wildlife and coastal ecosystems.
To learn more about the Center for Wildlife Rescue and our conservation efforts, go to texasstateaquarium.org/wildlife-rescue.
About Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) institution that is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas and support wildlife conservation. TSA, the largest Aquarium in Texas, cares for over 4,000 animals and has been named the #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org.
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Texas State Aquarium Contact:
Jennifer Vela
Chief Government Affairs and Marketing Officer
361.653.2655
Media Assets: https://bit.ly/4a46CYn