SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 243
         WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is an
  outstanding institution that is committed to connecting people
  with nature and to promoting conservation of the Gulf of Mexico;
  and
 
         WHEREAS, After two decades of planning and fund-raising,
  the Texas State Aquarium first opened the doors to its original
  Gulf of Mexico exhibit in 1990; over the years, many new
  permanent and special exhibits have been introduced that allow
  spectators to see a live bald eagle, to touch and feed stingrays,
  to watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play, and to get an
  underwater view of the habitat formed around an oil platform in
  the gulf; the aquarium also features a splash park, an artificial
  fossil dig site for uncovering casts of prehistoric animal bones,
  and the Hawn Wild Flight Theater, with presentations featuring
  trained birds; in 2014, it announced an expansion project that
  will more than double the size of the facilities; and
 
         WHEREAS, In addition to entertaining and delighting visitors,
  this private, not-for-profit institution gives back to the
  community through its education and conservation programs; field
  trips, summer camps, and distance learning empower Texans of all
  ages to discover more about nature and marine wildlife, while the
  Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program provides care for
  ill or injured shorebirds, birds of prey, marine mammals, and sea
  turtles and returns them to their natural habitats whenever
  possible; furthermore, the aquarium coordinates beach cleanups
  three times a year, fosters awareness of Texas watersheds with
  its Keepers of the Coast program, and awards grants through its
  Wildlife Care, Conservation, and Research Fund; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Texas State Aquarium has been honored with
  numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Public-Private
  Partnership Award from Mutual of America, the Munson Aquatic
  Conservation Exhibitry Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium
  Association, and the Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
  Award for Public Awareness from the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation;
  in 2014, it became one of only six aquariums in the nation to earn
  a prestigious four-star rating from Charity Navigator; and
 
         WHEREAS, By encouraging Texans to appreciate the diversity
  and vulnerability of marine life, the aquarium is making a
  significant contribution to the Lone Star State, and the efforts
  and achievements of all involved in this worthy endeavor indeed
  merit special commendation; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
  Legislature, hereby recognize February 21, 2017, as Texas State
  Aquarium Day and extend to all those associated with the aquarium
  sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  the Texas State Aquarium as an expression of high regard from the
  Texas Senate.
 
  Hinojosa
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 21, 2017.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate