BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The aquarium Brevard Zoo is planning to build in Port Canaveral now has a name, and we’re getting new details about when it will be built.
The zoo, which is run by the East Coast Zoological Foundation, expects to break ground on the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center in 2025, with plans to open after two to three years of construction.
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The facility will be named after John and Pat Bowen, longtime lovers of the Brevard Zoo who donated millions of dollars to the project after the state of Florida cut $1 million in funding.
The state’s decision to cut the money stalled construction, which was supposed to start this year.
The $100 million aquarium is now 86% funded, zoo officials say.
The facility will be built on 14 acres at Port Canaveral and will focus on native Florida wildlife, acting as a conservation hub with critical care facilities for sick or injured sea turtles and manatees, and helping restore the Indian River Lagoon.
The aquarium will also feature interactive spaces and hands-on opportunities. Zoo officials say the project is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs.
If you want to donate to the aquarium project, head to the Our Legacy Campaign website.
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