If you love marine life and have a soft spot for rescued sea turtles, raptors, and marine mammals, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium is a place you need to know about! This state-of-the-art facility isn’t just a hospital for injured wildlife—it’s a beacon of hope for Texas’ coastal creatures. The goal? To rescue, rehabilitate, and—whenever possible—return these animals to their natural environment. With cutting-edge equipment and a dedicated team of wildlife heroes, this center is giving thousands of animals a second chance at life in the wild. Let’s dive into what makes this rescue center a game-changer for marine conservation.
Hours of Operation
What Is the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue?
Think of it as an ER for marine animals, but with a view of Corpus Christi Bay. Opened in 2023, this 26,000-square-foot facility is the largest rescue center in Texas and one of the largest in the country. Its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals in need. Whether it’s a stranded dolphin, an oil-covered pelican, or a sea turtle that got a little too close to a fishing net, this place is where they get a second chance at life. Thanks to funding from the Port of Corpus Christi, the center has the equipment, expertise, and dedicated team needed to make a real impact on wildlife conservation.
See Wildlife Rescue in Action
Visitors can get a front-row seat to wildlife rehabilitation and see conservation in action. Watch as veterinarians, biologists, and rescue specialists treat injured sea turtles, raptors, marine mammals, and shorebirds, providing expert care to help them heal and return to the wild. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a rare glimpse into the rescue process, showing how each animal is rehabilitated and what it takes to nurse them back to health. It’s an eye-opening opportunity to learn about marine conservation, see animal care up close, and discover how you can help protect Texas’ incredible coastal wildlife.
A Lifeline for Coastal Wildlife
The Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue is the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas and one of the most advanced in the U.S. It’s also the only rescue center in Texas authorized to treat a variety of coastal and marine species, providing a critical safety net for animals affected by natural disasters, habitat destruction, and human-related injuries. With the ability to care for thousands of animals at a time, this state-of-the-art facility plays a vital role in rehabilitating and returning wildlife to their natural habitat whenever possible.
Animals Treated at the Wildlife Rescue Center:
- Marine Mammals – Dolphins, otters
- Sea Turtles
- Raptors & Birds of Prey – Hawks, owls, falcons
- Shorebirds – Pelicans, spoonbills, oystercatchers
By providing expert medical care and rehabilitation, the center is giving injured and endangered species a second chance at life in the wild.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
This isn’t your average animal rescue facility—it’s one of the most advanced in the country. These cutting-edge tools help the center treat animals faster and more effectively, making sure they get the best possible chance at survival. Some of its high-tech features include:
