SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 243
WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is an
outstanding institution that is committed to connecting people
with nature and to promoting conservation of the Gulf of Mexico;
and
WHEREAS, After two decades of planning and fund-raising,
the Texas State Aquarium first opened the doors to its original
Gulf of Mexico exhibit in 1990; over the years, many new
permanent and special exhibits have been introduced that allow
spectators to see a live bald eagle, to touch and feed stingrays,
to watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play, and to get an
underwater view of the habitat formed around an oil platform in
the gulf; the aquarium also features a splash park, an artificial
fossil dig site for uncovering casts of prehistoric animal bones,
and the Hawn Wild Flight Theater, with presentations featuring
trained birds; in 2014, it announced an expansion project that
will more than double the size of the facilities; and
WHEREAS, In addition to entertaining and delighting visitors,
this private, not-for-profit institution gives back to the
community through its education and conservation programs; field
trips, summer camps, and distance learning empower Texans of all
ages to discover more about nature and marine wildlife, while the
Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program provides care for
ill or injured shorebirds, birds of prey, marine mammals, and sea
turtles and returns them to their natural habitats whenever
possible; furthermore, the aquarium coordinates beach cleanups
three times a year, fosters awareness of Texas watersheds with
its Keepers of the Coast program, and awards grants through its
Wildlife Care, Conservation, and Research Fund; and
WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium has been honored with
numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Public-Private
Partnership Award from Mutual of America, the Munson Aquatic
Conservation Exhibitry Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium
Association, and the Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
Award for Public Awareness from the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation;
in 2014, it became one of only six aquariums in the nation to earn
a prestigious four-star rating from Charity Navigator; and
WHEREAS, By encouraging Texans to appreciate the diversity
and vulnerability of marine life, the aquarium is making a
significant contribution to the Lone Star State, and the efforts
and achievements of all involved in this worthy endeavor indeed
merit special commendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 21, 2017, as Texas State
Aquarium Day and extend to all those associated with the aquarium
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the Texas State Aquarium as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Hinojosa
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate