How will the aquarium answer the call

for marine conservation?

Preserve
the Indian River Lagoon

Fund restoration and research projects (estimated to be $500,000 annually) across the lagoon and become one of the largest funders of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) by dedicating a percentage of every paid aquarium admission directly to IRL conservation.
man smiling holding oyster mat that is being installed in the lagoon

Advance
Science and Research

Facilitate multi-institutional research projects and offer hands-on science-in-action programs to educate visitors on real-time water quality monitoring and management.
restore our shores man testing sample in his hand

Elevate
Animal Wellbeing

Continue our legacy of excellent care for our aquatic ambassadors including the latest veterinary technologies, enrichment and training as well as an expansion of facilities for rehabilitation.
underwater photo of manatee

Rescue and Rehabilitate
Wildlife

Provide critical care with new treatment centers visible to the public where guests can follow the journey of iconic Florida species, such as sea turtles and manatees, from our care back to the waterways they call home.
sea turtle

Bold Ideas + Shared Action =

Extraordinary Results

aquarium conservation hub

Empower
Environmental Education

Educate over half a million guests annually on environmental action through reducing ocean plastics, supporting sustainable fishing, and lessening our impact on the lagoon with simple, easy, everyday changes to how we live.
man providing educational chats to an audience standing around him

Provide
Immersive Experiences
in Nature

Get up close to our aquatic ecosystems through accessible habitats and hands-on activities that will engage visitors in the thrill of science, adventure and exploration.

woman helping boy plant mangrove

Inspire
Future Innovators

Nurture a sense of wonder and curiosity in the next generation of engineers, conservationists, entrepreneurs, and inventors and encourage a commitment to creating innovative ways to care for our environment.

kids learning about aquatic life and ecosystems

Attract
Valuable Human Capital

Protect our quality of life and unique waterways to attract the next generation of engineers and inventors to the world’s launching pad to space.
adopt a mangrove unselfie of woman and her daughter

Unite
Communities for Conservation

Coordinate, mobilize and facilitate restoration, research and education endeavors to maximize the impact of our shared vision for a healthy sustainable future.
Oysters restore our shores program
Duane De Freese

“Bowen Aquarium is one of the only projects proposed for the Indian River Lagoon that will be truly transformational. Building species recovery and habitat restoration capacity is an essential precursor to implement the full-scale restoration work needed to recover this estuary of national significance.”

-Duane De Freese, PhD
Executive Director, Indian River Lagoon Council and Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

multiplying our economic impact

By maintaining healthy waterways, we sustain our recreational lifestyle, protect property values, and safeguard tourism. In addition to Brevard Zoo, Bowen Aquarium will attract and retain a high-talent, high-wage workforce to the East Coast of Florida. The Aquarium and Conservation Center will also allow us to build additional research and innovation partnerships in the region. 

Brevard Zoo logo

MORE THAN

GUEST VISITS
EACH YEAR
1

CONTRIBUTING

ANNUAL
ECONOMIC IMPACT
$ 1 M

SUPPORTING

JOBS IN
THE REGION
1
Bowen Aquarium logo in color

MORE THAN

GUEST VISITS
EACH YEAR
1

CONTRIBUTING

ANNUAL
ECONOMIC IMPACT
$ 1 M+

SUPPORTING

JOBS IN
THE REGION
1