When the Texas State Aquarium lost around 400 marine animals April 14, support and condolences began pouring in from dozens of other facilities including zoos and research institutions. The aquarium lost about 14 percent of its collection after treating the main aquarium system for parasites.
Zoos and aquariums from around the world have promised to send animals as soon as the state aquarium is ready to receive them. Locally, the USS Lexington and the Corpus Christi Science and History museums have offered free admission to their facilities for Aquarium members through the end of April.
Staff members have been devastated by the losses, which included a favorite tiger shark named Hans who has been with the facility for 20 years. Despite the deaths, the aquarium is still open while also working around the clock investigating the the cause and making sure one of the city’s major attractions is still serving the public.
“The aquarium’s first priority is to focus on stabilizing the water in the affected exhibits,” wrote president and CEO Tom Schmid in a letter to aquarium members. “The staff is working seven days a week to rebuild our program."
Water and tissue samples have been sent to testing laboratories to determine why the pesticide killed the fish. It was tested in a smaller tank before being introduced into the Islands of Steel and Flower Garden tanks.
The majority of the collection was not hurt, Schmid reminded members. Exhibits not affected include the Living Shores gallery, Nearshore gallery, Amazon, Floating Phantoms and all the freshwater aquariums. None of the touch tanks were affected either. Also, the outdoor exhibits such as Tortuga Cay, Otter Creek and Swamp Tales, were not harmed.
Members have been asked to bring friends to visit the aquarium to show the staff support and to be an ambassador for the attraction.
“Remind folks that we are still open for business and have many wonderful exhibits and programs to enjoy,” Schmid wrote. “Many of you have contacted us and offered support and for that I am grateful.”
Donate to the Texas State Aquarium Recovery Fund online.
Outpouring of support for aquarium after fish tragedy
The Texas State Aquarium is still open and most of its exhibits unharmed after a pesticide killed the fish in two of its biggest tanks.