The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) treats an average of 275 marine animals each year, its location on Oregon’s central coast perfectly situated to quickly triage stranded and injured wildlife. This year, construction is set to begin on the Aquarium’s Sees-Ha Xwee-Nish Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, doubling the Aquarium’s capacity to accept, treat, and release sea turtles, shorebirds, aquatic mammals, and other marine species.
The new center will allow staff to diagnose, observe, and treat animals on-site, limiting the need to transport patients to other veterinary facilities—a measure that can further stress an injured animal and pose additional health risks. To date, 70% of the necessary project funds have been raised. Aquarium donors Sean and Angela Pieper have generously offered to match up to $50,000–dollar for dollar–on new donations and pledges that are designated for the center and received by April 22–Earth Day, 2024.Â
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. Click here to donate https://aquarium.org/support/donate/
Information and photos provided by ocaq
