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Questions and Answers
What year did the Texas State Aquarium officially open to the public?
Which component is NOT listed as part of the aquarium/zoo operations complexities?
Which exhibit was completed most recently at the Texas State Aquarium as of 2023?
Which year marked the beginning of construction for the Gulf of Mexico exhibit?
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What is one of the primary focuses of the Texas State Aquarium’s operations?
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When was the first activation event scheduled?
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What significant event occurred in June 2024 related to wildlife rescue?
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Which activity took place in March 2024?
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What was a focus for research indicated in the content?
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Which institution was listed as a strategic partner for wildlife conservation efforts?
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What is the mission of the Texas State Aquarium?
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How often is seawater replaced at the Texas State Aquarium?
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What percentage of the TSA's living collection consists of invertebrates?
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Which facilities are part of the Wildlife Care Department at TSA?
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What type of injury is commonly treated during sea turtle rehabilitation?
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Which of the following is a partner in the wildlife rescue program?
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What is Fibropapillomatosis (FP) in sea turtles?
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What significant achievement has TSA made in its wildlife rescue program?
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Which of the following animals is NOT mentioned as part of the wildlife care department's rehabilitation patients?
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What is the primary focus of the Wildlife Response Operations Center (WROC)?
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Study Notes
Course Objectives
- Understand complexities of aquarium and zoo operations including animal environments, health, and education
- Awareness of conservation, disaster planning, guest engagement, and wildlife rescue
- Importance of water quality and life support systems in aquatic environments
Texas State Aquarium (TSA) History
- Original vision for TSA established in 1969
- Construction of Gulf of Mexico exhibit began in 1988
- Grand opening held in 1990 with subsequent developments like Dolphin Bay (2003) and Caribbean Journey (2017)
- Center for Wildlife Rescue opened in 2023; Wildlife Response Operation Center planned for 2024
TSA Today
- Official Aquarium of Texas, largest in the state and 5th largest in the US
- Houses approximately 4,000 animals within 2 million gallons of seawater
- Employs around 60 zoological staff and engages 550,000 visitors annually
TSA Terminology
- TSA: Texas State Aquarium
- GMEB: Gulf of Mexico Exhibit Building
- DB: Dolphin Bay
- CJ: Caribbean Journey
- WRC: Wildlife Rescue Center
- AZA: Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- WROC: Wildlife Response Operations Center
Animal Care Divisions
- Includes Animal Operations, Animal Wellness, and various specialties such as Wildlife Rescue, Marine Health, and Water Quality
- Dive Operations division supports animal care through aquatic expertise
Living Collection at TSA
- Total of 342 species across various taxa; 4071 individuals recorded
- Notable breakdown: 38 mammals, 135 birds, 49 reptiles, 98 elasmobranchs, 1525 teleosts, and 2226 invertebrates
Wildlife Rescue Program
- Largest coastal rescue center in Texas, permitted for marine mammals, birds, and sea turtles
- Over 5,300 animals successfully released back into the wild from 2005 to 2021
Wildlife Care Facilities
- Facilities cater to different patient types: birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, with critical care units and a surgical suite on-site
Rehabilitation Focus Areas
- Avian Rehabilitation: 45-60 species treated yearly; 4,292 patients from 2005-2017
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Address injuries including boat strikes and entanglements; treatment includes antibiotics and surgeries
- Marine Mammal Rehabilitation: Focus on stabilizing health issues and ensuring long-term recovery
Wildlife Rescue Capacity
- Certified for oiled wildlife recovery and responds to large-scale wildlife disasters
- Collaborates with federal and state agencies, including NOAA and Texas Parks and Wildlife
Emergency Operations and Planning
- First wildlife Emergency Operations Center in the US, focusing on South Texas Gulf Coast responses
- Exercises and planning events scheduled, including tabletop exercises and disaster response training
Research and Innovation
- Engagement in wildlife disaster research, developing response plans
- Recent advancements include sea turtle CT scan technology and the Aquatic Field Stabilization System patent
Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborates with institutions such as Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and the National Park Service to enhance research and operational capabilities
Final Project
- Objective to design an exhibit that encapsulates course teachings, with species assignment and presentation to TSA leadership
Community and Visitor Engagement
- Aims to inspire appreciation for marine life and promote wildlife conservation through educational exhibits and guest interactions
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Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of animal care and operations within public aquariums. Key topics include animal environments, health, conservation efforts, and guest engagement strategies. Gain insight into the complexities of maintaining wildlife and ensuring a resilient aquarium operation.
