Imagine having an immersive aquarium experience on the shores of the Banana River full of educational, family fun and the ability to learn about native marine species. That’s what the Brevard Zoo Aquarium Project is all about. We’re bringing together business leaders, educators, scientists and the citizens of this community to fulfill a grand vision of building a world-class aquarium that would also be home to initiatives that address critical environmental concerns. This includes education programs, scientific research and collaboration to restore the Indian River Lagoon, animal rehabilitation, and more.
Not only will an aquarium give visitors and residents alike additional recreational options, but it will create jobs, have a positive economic impact on area businesses, and through teaching responsible environmental habits, protect property values and the coastal life we call home.
As we embark on this journey, we hope you’ll join us.
Immersive Excursions
& Hands-On Experiences
Boardwalk & Kayak
Access
Outdoor Water Play
Restaurants & Gift Shop
Scientific Research
& Conservation Facilities
Meeting & Event Space
The Perfect Guardians of the Project
Brevard Zoo has a proven track record as a community and conservation partner with the experience to bring a world-class aquarium to this area. A 501c(3) not-for-profit, the Zoo is recognized as the world’s largest community-built zoo that continues to grow and thrive, enabling us to further advance our critical missions of animal wellness, conservation and education. For more than 20 years, Brevard Zoo has earned accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is achieved by less than 10% of nearly 3,000 animal exhibitors in the nation.
A Legacy of Success
25
years leading wildlife conservation through education and participation
489,710
guests annually, including 14,800 membership households
877
jobs realized through economic impact
$65m
in annual economic impact
$1m
annual budget for wildlife conservation
463k
oysters added to lagoon reefs since 2014 by 1,381 community members trained as "oyster gardeners"
The Aquarium Benefits Are Widespread
Get up close to local marine life and habitats
Provide hands-on aquarium adventures
Access the only aquarium along I-95 south of Charleston, SC
Protect wildlife that contributes to our coastal lifestyle
Tackle the threats facing the Indian River Lagoon
Teach responsible lagoon-healthy living
Generate tourism, create jobs and protect property values
Boast an annual total estimated economic impact of $85.5 million in area sales, supporting 937 jobs
Every shoreline restoration, every saved species, and every effort to maintain the health of our coastal waterways is up to us, and it takes more than one voice.
Get Involved
Your support as an advocate, donor, volunteer or partner is critical to the success of the Aquarium Project. As we saw with the creation of Brevard Zoo, community-led advocacy creates long-lasting benefits for residents, tourists and the business community.
Ways You Can Help
Become an Ambassador
with a volunteer role
Become a Business Partner
and support the Aquarium Project
Sign Up
for the periodic newsletter on the project
Follow Us
and share news with your friends
Donate
a tax deductible gift
Have ideas or want to share feedback?
News
Brevard Zoo Celebrates 25 Years
Perhaps the most significant factor in this journey has been the zoo’s reflection of this community’s core identity…
Keith Winsten's Impact
Winsten’s impact reaches from the smallest creatures to people worldwide. After 14 years as executive director of the Brevard Zoo, he’s tirelessly led so much change…
Aquarium Will Grow Conservation and Tourism in Brevard
Brevard Zoo has a proven track record as a community and conservation partner with the experience to bring Brevard County a world-class aquarium…
Blog
Measuring Economic Impact
According to an independent 2017 report, the aquarium and conservation center would have an annual economic impact of $85.5 million in area sales.
Strategic Doing
Our input sessions gave us dozens of new ideas for the aquarium and conservation center!
