Texas State Aquarium's New Exhibit

Recently opened in April 2009, Eagle Pass is the latest exhibit at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. As part of the final phase of Conservation Cove, it is built with 36,000 pounds of rock stretching 60 feet long and 20 feet high, to resemble a Texas canyon. Populated with a number of rescued and rehabilitated raptors who cannot be released back to the wild due to disability, the new exhibit provides an environment as much like their natural habitat as possible. Eagle Pass gives visitors a glimpse into America's wild.

About Eagles

More than 70 species of eagles populate the world on every continent except Antarctica. However, due mostly to persecution, poisoning, diseases, and habitat destruction, many eagle species are becoming endangered. A healthy eagle population is important in balancing a healthy ecosystem.

Perhaps a favorite resident of the Eagle Pass exhibit is Grace, a majestic bald eagle who can be seen perched high on a limb in her new home. Here, in spite of her disability, she will get plenty of food and live in safety. The Eagle Pass exhibit helps visitors to understand these wild birds like Grace and teaches backyard conservation.

Backyard Conservation Projects

Backyard conservation practices do not apply just to farms. Urban and well as rural communities can have a hand in environmental stewardship. A backyard habitat can be made wildlife-friendly with a pond, rocks, logs, mulching, terracing, and tree planting. Nesting boxes, feeders, and plants provide an attractive habitat for birds, butterflies, toads, lizards, and small animals. The National Wildlife Federation provides information on managing a backyard wildlife habitat.

Other Texas State Aquarium Exhibits

Dolphin Bay, featuring three male dolphins and a presentation that teaches how the trainers interact with them, always fascinates guests. Some of the exhibits are interactive such as Wild Flight Theatre, Living Shores and Stingray Flats but just watching the playful antics of the otters at Otter Creek or the rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles at Tortuga Cay can be captivating.

Texas State Aquarium is Educational

The Texas State Aquarium teaches environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. As well as providing a great vacation spot, educational field trips and overnight camp-ins with hands-on projects, and guided and self-guided tours are offered for school aged children. Special encounter programs and behind-the-scenes programs are also available. Additionally, the Aquarium accommodates weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events.

Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, summer hours are 9 to 6 and winter hours are 9 to 5.

Guests can visit Grace and all the other creatures of the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi while experiencing a beautiful showcase of the fascinating Gulf of Mexico.