Star Magazine - Fall 2020

Star Magazine - Fall 2020

2020 FALL

L E T T E R F R O M O U R C E O

CORPORATE PARTNERS

GREETINGS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

I wanted to share a few updates with you as we work through this extraordinarily challenging period for all of us.

We have now been open for nearly four months following our two month closure. Attendance has been somewhat mixed; June was a little better than we anticipated, July was a challenge, with the combined impact of Covid-19 and Hurricane Hanna suppressing leisure travel to our area. August is looking better; as daily Covid cases have been trending downward, our attendance has slowly increased. Looking at the entire year so far our attendance is down about 50% compare to 2019. Unfortunately, that also translates to about a 50% loss of operating revenue. There are several reasons why we are able to continue to operate the Aquarium, care for all of our animals, continue our education and wildlife rescue work, and keep many of our team employed. Over the last 20 years we have focused our efforts on ensuring that the Aquarium could continue to operate, regardless of the circumstances. We created a Cash Reserve Fund and an Endowment Fund that today, combined, exceeds $6 million. These funds can be used in emergency situations, and a global pandemic certainly qualifies. We also significantly cut our operating expenses. In addition, we applied for, and received, a Paycheck Protection Program loan of about $1.4 million through the federal governments CARES Act program. And finally, generous donors, including many of you, have contributed over $300,000 to help support our critical programs. While there is still much uncertainty ahead for all of us, I wanted to make sure you all knew that keeping our institution moving forward continues to be our number one priority, and I remain confident that we will emerge from this crisis a stronger institution. Our number two priority involves raising the necessary funding to construct our new Center for Wildlife Rescue and Research. And on that program I have exciting news; our city council voted recently to include $3 million in the upcoming 2020 City Bond program to help fund the new center. I would encourage all of you to vote in support of the bond measure. The best part is that it will not require a tax increase. Finally, you may have seen in the news recently that the Aquarium was rated #4 in North America by USA Today. This is a remarkable achievement, and I hope all of you are as proud as I am of what we have been able to accomplish together.

AG|CM Allison Flooring America

CC General & Implant Dentistry Corpus Christi Regional Economic

Development Corporation Devary Durrill Foundation Labatt Food Service NuStar Energy Pattern Gulf Wind, LLC Western Steel Co.

Thank you, and I hope you have a chance to visit us soon.

Tom Schmid President and CEO

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A N I M A L S P O T L I G H T

Otterly Exciting News

The Texas State Aquarium is exicted to announce two of our newest residents Arthur and Fisher will join Merlin at Otter Creek !

MEET ARTHUR Arthur, a juvenile North American river otter, was found on the side of the road outside of Austin in April. The Aquarium’s Animal Care Team created a portable veterinary clinic and transported the pup to the Aquarium to be treated by the Wildlife Rescue Team. Upon arrival at the Aquarium, the otter pup was found to be underweight and dehydrated. After receiving 24-hour care by the Aquarium’s skilled Marine Mammal and Veterinary staff, he regained enough strength to begin eating on his own and quickly became much more active and alert. Arthur started to make appearances at Otter Creek in June.

MEET FISHER C ampers in northern Texas found and rescued Fisher, and after receiving care from a Texas rehabilitator, he is now making the Aquarium his home. Upon his arrival at TSA Wildlife Rescue, he was in overall good health, apart from an impacted tooth. Aquarium Veterinarian, Dr. Yaw, and Marine Mammal staff took Fisher to a veterinary dentist at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in College Station. He recovered quickly from his treatment. Fisher enjoys hiding seashells, playing with his water hose, and interacting with guests through the exhibits deep end viewing window. He is learning to explore Otter Creek without the help of his trainers and has been doing great!

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LEARNING FROM HOME

At the Aquarium, our mission is to engage people with animals, inspire an appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. Even during a global pandemic, we were able to continue our mission, with a little technology and a lot of creativity.

As COVID-19 shut down in classroom learning, families

suddenly faced the challenges of online learning at home. To support students learning during this time, the Aquarium’s Education Department live-streamed programs to Facebook daily. All educational programming is designed through the Aquarium’s Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM Education, and online learning programs are

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distributed through our Aquavision Distance Learning Program. Texas State Aquarium has enjoyed a longstanding and vital partnership with Flint Hills Resources. Both organizations share a commitment to providing more opportunities for students to participate in STEM-based programs. Programming topics included an in-depth look at our North American river otters, an interview with Dr. Taylor Yaw, Aquarium Veterinarian, a behind-the-scenes look at a training session with our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and, much

more. These interactive programs allowed guests to stream the videos and have their questions answered in real-time. By the time the Aquarium reopened on May 22nd, a total of 50 live programs had been produced and delivered to audiences. Over 309,000 people from throughout the U.S. and ten foreign countries connected with our staff and animals to learn more about wildlife conservation.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © & ® or ™ The

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The turtle totals are in! Last year, we rescued and released 279 sea turtles – nearly a third of all sea turtles that were found stranded alive in Texas. 216 turtles, the majority of those admitted to the Aquarium in 2019, were stranded due to inclement weather events, like extreme cold fronts or strong wind events that affected the tides. More than 120 were rescued due to cold-stunning, a hypothermia-like condition that can afflict sea turtles when water temperatures drop below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle being released into the Gulf of Mexico July 2020

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Kemp’s ridley being treated after being found in distress at Padre Island National Seashore

Exam of Kemp’s ridley seaturtle with Texas State Aquarium Veterinarian and Wildlife Rescue staff

RESCUED AND RELEASED

On April 27th, an injured female, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was found at Padre Island National Seashore. Despite a large wound on her right side, possibly from a shark bite, she was determined to make it to shore to lay her eggs. Even though she was severely injured, the maternal instincts of this incredible animal could not be overcome. Once discovered, she was at once transported to the Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center, where she received life-saving emergency surgery. For the next two and a half months, skilled veterinary and rescue staff supplied continual care for this endangered animal. On July 7th, she was able to be released back into her natural habitat- the Gulf of Mexico. Also released by our Wildlife Rescue Team in July were three green sea turtles. The endangered green sea turtles received medical care and rehabilitation at our Wildlife Rescue Center. Some of the reasons why these sea turtles were brought to our care had to do with strandings,

fishing line entanglement, and in one turtle’s case, wounds and abrasions to its carapace, plastron and back flippers. The sea turtles were released into the Upper Laguna Madre, an ideal habitat for them to thrive and grow. Be sure to follow the Aquarium on Facebook for more up to date wildlife rescue stories!

Release of Green Sea Turtle July 2020

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Texas State Aquarium Grand Opening 1990

30 YEARS. COUNTLESS MEMORIES.

On July 6th, 1990, the Texas State Aquarium first opened its doors after years of planning and fundraising. With great fanfare, the Aquarium opened to the public. Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush were present as was Jodie Benson, the voice of the recently released Disney movie, The Little Mermaid . Guests lined the ramp where a giant octopus made from balloons floated above them as they waited patiently to be one of the first to experience the Texas State Aquarium. The grand opening was a shining moment not only for the Aquarium but also for our city and Coastal Bend region. It was through the vision of the Founding Trustees that the Aquarium became a reality. When opened, the Aquarium consisted of the Lobby and Gulf of Mexico wing only. Now, 30 years later, Texas State Aquarium has grown substantially and is recognized as one of the premier aquariums in the country. One of the first significant expansions was Dolphin Bay, which opened in 2003. The $15 million capital campaign to build Dolphin Bay was the most substantial endeavor since building the Aquarium. This 400,000-gallon pool with viewing angles both topside and below the water provides unique opportunities for visitors to view our enchanting dolphins and, today remains guests’ favorite exhibit.

Another notable expansion was the H-E-B Splash Park in 2011. This marine-inspired zero-depth water

play area quickly became popular with guests adding an active and fun experience for families to enjoy and cool off on those South Texas summer days. In May of 2017, the Aquarium Founders’ vision of connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean Sea was fulfilled with the opening of the incredible 71,000 Sq. Ft. Caribbean Journey. This $60 million expansion features exhibits interpreting the lowland jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and Western Caribbean Sea. From the magnificent sharks to giant stingrays to endearing two-toed sloths and gorgeous flamingos, Caribbean Journey is full of awe and wonder. As we look back on our past, we cannot help but be excited about our future as we move forward with the building of the new Texas Center for Wildlife Rescue, Recovery, and Research on the Aquarium campus. This wildlife conservation center will expand the Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Program, provide state-of- the-art technology and medical equipment for treating ill or injured coastal wildlife and, provide laboratories for collaborative conservation research. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting project.

Former President George Bush addresses the crowd at Grand Opening

Guests exploring the Aquarium in the early 1990’s

Rendering of the new Texas Center for Rescue, Recovery and Research

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L E T T E R F R O M O U R C E O WEATHERING THE

STORM

How the Aquarium Responded to Hurricane Hanna

animals, and securing tables, chairs, and other outdoor items. While the Aquarium was closed to the public on Saturday the 25th for the storm, staff were still on site. A dedicated and committed group from Animal Care, Water Quality, Operations, Safety and Security, and Physical Plant rode out the storm to check on the over 4,000 animals that call the Aquarium home as well as the water quality systems that maintain their habitats. By following the comprehensive hurricane plan, all the animals remained safe and received their usual high quality of care. As the storm progressed, a powerful storm surge of about four feet covered large portions of North Beach, including parts of the ground level of the Aquarium. The storm surge destroyed the Aquarium’s dock and water intake abilities, but thankfully, all animals and staff were safe.

When it became clear that Corpus Christi was in the path of Hurricane Hanna, the Aquarium was ready for the storm. Thankfully, the Aquarium has a well thought out and robust hurricane plan and does a series of preparedness exercises in

anticipation of such a weather event. Staff members worked quickly to prepare for the storm by temporarily relocating animals from outdoor exhibits along the bay, maintaining saltwater reservoirs for our exhibits, prepping diets for

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A dedicated and committed group of staff from Animal Care, Water Quality, Operations, Safety and Security, and Physical Plant rode out the storm at the Aquarium to check on the over 4,000 animals that call the Aquarium home as well as the water quality systems for their habitats

It took another day or so before the floodwaters receded. When they did, the Aquarium’s grounds were coated with debris – everything from plastic bottle caps and bags to large pieces of wood was scattered over the facility. It took staff from a variety of departments to get the Aquarium ready for reopening. Three days after the Aquarium closed for the hurricane, the Texas State Aquarium reopened and welcomed guests back to the facility on July 28th, 2020.

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A Q U A R I U M N E W S

In the Caribbean Jungle , guests will see six hatchlings of blue- grey tanagers. These birds are from 3 different clutches or groups of eggs, and all six are male. Blue-grey tanagers are medium-sized South American songbirds and are just one of the many species of birds that live in the Caribbean Jungle . Protect ing Spec i es Did you know the Aquarium participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plans? These plans, commonly called SSPs, allows for accredited institutions, like the Texas State Aquarium, to develop explicitly tailored care strategies for specific species along with leading experts in the field. The Aquarium is currently working on several SSPs including red-capped cardinals, blue-grey tanagers, sunbitterns, serval, two-toed sloths, and many more. The red-capped cardinal SSP is helping zoo and aquarium

professionals learn more about the birds care and breeding in order to apply that to species that may be in trouble. new arrivals at the aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium is excited to share with guests that we had some recent hatchlings! There is one male green heron who will call the Aquarium’s Nearshore exhibit home. The

heron hatched at the Aquarium in early summer. Herons are named for the “green” on their back. It usually is is an iridescent color, and often looks dull bluish or only dark.

Green Herons

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L E T T E R F R O M O U R C E O

The Texas State Aquarium, the largest in Texas, was nominated by a panel of experts in July for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Aquarium in North America. The twenty aquariums that were nominated represent the best in North America for their high-quality exhibits and visitor interactions. Then it was up to online voters to select their favorite Aquarium and solidify the rankings. The Texas State Aquarium was previously nominated for USA TODAY’s ranking of top aquariums and held the spot at #4 from 2019. Throughout the years, the Aquarium has not only become a favorite attraction and institution for educating visitors but also being active in conservation efforts from the Texas Coast and beyond, all while treating and releasing numerous shorebirds as well as sick and injured sea turtles through their Wildlife Rescue Center. Those rescue efforts will expand even further with a new Center for Wildlife Rescue and Research that the Aquarium plans to build on its campus in the next few years. “It is an honor to be named as one of the top aquariums in North America and the number one aquarium in Texas,” said President & CEO Tom Schmid. “We would like to thank all of The Texas State Aquarium named as the #4 Aquarium in North America by USA TODAY

our dedicated fans, our members, and all those who voted for us. Even in these extraordinarily difficult times, it is a blessing to be able to celebrate an honor such as this.” Thank you to all who voted for your Aquarium!

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The Aquarium reopened after a temporary closure due to COVID-19 on May 22nd and to keep guests, staff, volunteers, and animals safe; there are a few noticeable differences in your visit:

• Reminders about social distancing are throughout the facility • Hand sanitizing stations are set up throughout the Aquarium • Staff are elevating the already high standards of cleanliness and more often cleaning high touch areas like handrails • Due to social distancing standards, the Whataburger 4D Theater and daily programs have been suspended • As mandated by Governor Abbott, all guests, staff, and volunteers must wear a face covering while visiting the Aquarium • The Aquarium’s senior leadership is often reviewing information as it becomes available from the CDC and with city and county health officials. • When you are ready, we are prepared for your next visit!

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THANK YOU Thank you to allour donors, members, and friends who have supported the Aquarium’s operations and mission during the pandemic. With our temporary closure due to COVID-19 and damped attendance this summer, your donations have helped fill in some of our lost revenue. We are grateful for your support!

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Hours of Operation

Fall Hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily

H-E-B Splash Park Hours In September weekends only 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Us:

General Information (361) 881-1200 Injured Animal (361) 881-1210 Development Office (361) 881-1340 Education (361) 881-1204 Event Rentals (361) 881-1244 Group Reservations (361) 653-2602 Membership (361) 881-1341 Volunteer Office (361) 881-1381 Wildlife Rescue and Recovery: (361) 881-1210

The Texas State Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

OUR MISSION To engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.

FOLLOW US!

texasstateaquarium.org

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