Ever wanted to explore the depths of the ocean? Well, why not visit the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, where there are over 330 different species for you to observe, study, and even interact with. Ever dreamed of becoming a conservationist? Here you can learn all about how to protect our oceans and the fascinating animals that live there.

  • When did the Texas State Aquarium open to the public?
    • The aquarium first opened to public visitors in 1990 with its very first exhibition on marine animals.
  • Is the Texas State Aquarium a non-profit organization?
    • Yes, the aquarium operates on a purely non-profit basis.
  • What is the aquarium’s mission?
    • The aquarium is dedicated to the rehabilitation of wildlife from the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the conservation of the ocean.
  • When did the aquarium receive federal permission for wildlife rehabilitation?
    • The facility was federally permitted for wildlife rehabilitation in 1993 and has been caring for sea animals in need ever since.
  • What is the Island of Steel exhibit?
    • The Island of Steel is a 125,000-gallon indoor tank designed to resemble a vast habitat underneath an oil rig.
    • The tank houses:
      • Stingrays
      • Sand tiger sharks
      • Loggerhead sea turtles
      • And many more underwater creatures
    • The Island of Steel is also the world’s largest indoor tank.
  • What is the Tortuga Cay Exhibit?
    • The Tortuga Cay Exhibit is home to four different species of sea turtles.
    • These turtles were rehabilitated at the aquarium but have been deemed not releasable.
    • The turtles live in a lagoon-style habitat that allows visitors to view them from both above and below the water.
  • What can visitors see at Dolphin Bay?
    • Dolphin Bay is home to the aquarium’s resident bottlenose dolphins, Kai and Shadow.
    • Visitors can view the dolphins from above and beneath the water.
    • The dolphins also hold an educational class twice a day, where guests learn:
      • How trainers communicate with them
      • Facts about ocean conservation
  • Is the Texas State Aquarium accredited?
    • Yes, the aquarium has been a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1995.
  • Has the aquarium received any awards?
    • Yes, due to its high standards, the aquarium has received several awards over the years.
  • How many animals has the aquarium rescued?
    • Last year, the aquarium rescued 346 seabirds and successfully released 125 of them back into the wild.
  • Who is Grace the bald eagle?
    • Grace is one of the aquarium’s most famous rescued birds.
    • Due to a serious wing injury, she cannot be released and now resides in the Eagle Pass exhibit.

Address

Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, Phone: 800-477-4853

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