“World’s Best Aquariums” List Includes Corpus Christi’s Own Texas State Aquarium
July 29, 2019
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Texas State Aquarium is one of the 10 Best Aquariums in the World, according to a recent list by Budget Travel, a popular online publication that features the top destinations for travelers who want to “see more for less.”
The Texas State Aquarium was recognized for providing a “unique look” at animals of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, both through immersive exhibits like the new Caribbean Journey and with bonus experiences like Exclusive Encounters, where guests can explore behind the scenes and meet sloths, dolphins, and more. Budget Travel also highlighted the Aquarium’s contributions to wildlife conservation, including its Wildlife Rescue Center which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals, sea turtles, raptors, and shorebirds that are injured in the wild.
The Texas State Aquarium recently reached the top rankings of several local and national publications, including being named as a top-five aquarium by USA Today in 2019, but the spot on the Budget Travel appears to be its first top 10 ranking among international aquariums. The Texas State Aquarium is one of just four American aquariums on the list, alongside Georgia Aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Shedd Aquarium. Institutions from Portugal, Spain, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China were also featured.
“We’re honored to be named as one of the best aquariums in the world by Budget Travel, especially since they considered how aquariums not only offer a glimpse into our oceans but play a critical role in supporting wildlife conservation and inspiring others to care for our planet,” said Tom Schmid, Texas State Aquarium President & CEO. “Our goal is to provide all of our guests with a memorable and meaningful experience, where they can both make memories and make a difference. A ticket to our Aquarium includes access to all our exhibits, presentations, 4D shows, and even parking, all at one inclusive price. But we also want our guests to know, that by visiting, they’re making an impact on wildlife conservation by supporting our animal care, wildlife rescue, and wildlife conservation programs.”
In the past year alone, the Aquarium has rescued and released more than 1,000 endangered sea turtles, contributed to the conservation of endangered corals, given more than $100,000 to research and conservation projects around the world, and reached more than 82,000 children through onsite and distance learning programs. All of those programs, and more, were supported directly through guests, Schmid says.
Budget Travel’s list of the “10 Best Aquariums in the World” can be seen at: https://www.budgettravel.com/article/best-aquariums.
The Texas State Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission to the Aquarium includes access to all exhibits, wildlife presentations, shows in the Whataburger 4D Theater, and the H-E-B Splash Park, plus parking. Guests can learn more about how their visit helps “save more than memories” at www.texasstateaquarium.org/save-more-than-memories.