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.
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.
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.
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.
Bold Ideas + Shared Action =
Extraordinary Results
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.