Brevard Zoo in Florida has unveiled the name of its new aquarium and conservation centre at Port Canaveral, which it will start building next year.
The upcoming aquarium will be the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s second campus, and the sister campus to Brevard Zoo. It is named after John and Pat Bowen, whose $1 million donation helped launch a $100m fundraising campaign.
“They are the founding donors who put this project into motion, a regional project that’s going to make a difference for all of central Florida,” said Keith Winsten, CEO of the East Coast Zoological Foundation.
“By naming the aquarium after them, we are able to truly celebrate their generosity, their legacy and who they are, which we feel represents the best of mankind.”
We are incredibly proud to announce the official name of our future Aquarium and Conservation Center.
— Brevard Zoo (@BrevardZoo) December 3, 2024pic.twitter.com/7kolomQ10C
Through the $100m five-year campaign, the East Coast Zoological Foundation is building the new aquarium, supporting its sister campus, and expanding its work in animal wellbeing, conservation and education.
To date, the campaign has raised more than 86 percent of the $100m goal in its first three years.
“We are so thankful for the generosity and support of our community to make such a progression toward our goal,” Winsten added.
“We look forward to the continued support, and we’ll be excited to celebrate once we meet our goal.”
New conservation hub for Florida
The East Coast Zoological Foundation plans to break ground on the Bowen Aquarium and its conservation centre in 2025. Opening is expected after two to three years of construction.
The new attraction will offer a unique guest experience with its focus on native Florida wildlife, also serving as a regional conservation hub with an emphasis on restoring the Indian River Lagoon.
Expected to engage more than 525,000 visitors annually, the facility will be home to two cutting-edge critical care facilities for sick or injured sea turtles and manatees.
For guests, there will be hands-on learning opportunities, interactive spaces and incredible habitats, all designed to inspire conservation action.
Images courtesy of the East Coast Zoological Foundation
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