Central Florida’s East coast is shaped by three ecological treasures: the St. Johns River, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Our lives are intricately connected with these waterbodies, and our quality of life depends on coexisting with these natural resources and the wildlife that call them home.

East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is seeking once again to link arms with the community to build a world-class aquarium on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon in Port Canaveral, Florida to answer the call to preserve and protect these habitats.

ECZF began its mission to protect wildlife and their habitats in 1986, first spearheading the effort with community leaders and thousands of volunteers to build Brevard Zoo, which opened in 1994. More than 16,000 people—from business owners and engineers to tradespeople and retirees—contributed their time and talents to build what is now one of the country’s largest independent zoos.

For three decades we have stood up for the interconnected fates of people, animals and habitats – it is imperative we find solutions to thrive successfully, together. We do this work because it matters, not just to our local region, but to the world. Each time we are given a challenge, we work to overcome it.

The future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center will be the second campus of the East Coast Zoological Foundation and the sister campus to Brevard Zoo. Bowen Aquarium will replicate Brevard Zoo’s successes by defining the role of a community aquarium and creating best practices in animal wellness, conservation, sustainability and education.

The vision for the new campus mirrors the Zoo’s distinctive aesthetic, leveraging the natural beauty and benefits of Florida’s landscape and sharing sea life and habitat through a personal, accessible and meaningful experience. It will also serve as a regional conservation hub with an emphasis on restoring the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding ecosystems. Immersive educational opportunities, up-close research and innovation and sensational wellness-focused habitats will foster a deeper connection between guests and the environment and inspire conservation action.

This space will be home to native fauna, like bull sharks, otters, stingrays, alligators and more, who will serve as ambassadors for their species by educating guests and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. But our unwavering dedication to wildlife doesn’t stop there. The Aquarium will also be home to two cutting-edge critical care rehabilitation facilities for sick or injured sea turtles and manatees.

On the other side of campus, the Aquarium’s Dr. Duane De Freese Coastal Conservation Hub will support vital research by housing state-of-the-art classrooms, wet labs, research facilities and meeting spaces. The Coastal Conservation Hub will be free to the public to further the reach of our messaging.

We will also make impacts well outside the Aquarium’s walls by funding important conservation projects through a percentage of visitor admissions.

The Our Legacy Campaign is still working to raise the $100 million needed to fund the creation of Bowen Aquarium and ensure continued support for Brevard Zoo operations and growth. If you’d like to help us reach our goal, learn more here.