SAN ANTONIO – Have you ever wanted to touch a sea star or see a horseshoe crab up close? Now you can! The San Antonio Zoo has opened a new touch tank exhibit at the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab where families can explore ocean life without leaving the city.
From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Mondays, visitors can interact with various marine invertebrates. This includes amazing creatures like cleaner shrimp, chocolate chip sea stars, and even Halloween hermit crabs. It’s a great way to learn about the ocean’s ecosystems and the importance of coral conservation.
Samantha Mehr, a senior aquarist at the zoo, emphasizes that these animals may not look like the pets we’re used to, like dogs and cats, but they each have unique personalities. Engaging with them can change the way we think about marine life.
Visitors can also observe the zoo’s coral conservation efforts through special viewing windows. Robert Brewer, a supporter of the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab, highlights the need to educate people about the vital role coral reefs play in the health of our oceans. “It’s simply to educate that there’s another part of the ocean that we desperately have to take care of,” he noted.
Interestingly, one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the world, the Flower Garden Banks, is located off the Texas coast. However, due to climate change, this vibrant ecosystem is at risk of declining rapidly over the next two decades. The zoo’s plan includes growing coral for research purposes, aiming to help it withstand warmer waters and eventually restore it to the Gulf.
Brewer emphasizes the global importance of coral reefs, stating, “I think it’s important that people understand that, around the globe, coral reefs are so important for so many countries and so many people for living—for sustaining their lives.”
Best of all, access to the coral exhibit is included with your regular zoo admission, making it a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature and learn about the ocean’s wonders right in their backyard.
