The East Coast Zoological Foundation announced on April 24 that the official groundbreaking for Bowen Aquarium will take place on December 2, 2026. The new aquarium is planned as an additional site to support conservation, education, and animal wellbeing efforts led by ECZF and its sister campus, Brevard Zoo.
The project is described as transformative for the community and aims to further conservation initiatives in the region. ECZF CEO Keith Winsten said, “December 2 has been such a meaningful date for the ‘Our Legacy’ Campaign. On that date in 2021, we kicked off our fundraising campaign and in 2024 we announced Bowen Aquarium’s name and story. Being able to officially break ground on December 2 of this year continues the momentum on what will be a transformative project for our community and beyond.”
ECZF reported significant progress over the past year including completing full design plans for the aquarium, developing an advanced wastewater treatment system for fish filtration backwash, selecting construction management company PCL after determining construction costs through a bidding process, and creating a strategic financial plan with advisors from BofA Securities. The foundation also confirmed it has secured $74 million—53 percent of its $140 million fundraising goal—and plans to launch a new fundraising campaign focused solely on Bowen Aquarium next month.
Bowen Aquarium is intended to offer visitors experiences centered around native Florida wildlife while serving as a regional hub for conservation efforts related to restoring the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding ecosystems. According to Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism: “Bowen Aquarium has the potential to inspire a love for the Space Coast that goes beyond our local community. Tourists will make their memories at the Aquarium and be inspired to protect our incredible ecosystem and their own environment at home.”
Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida’s Space Coast said: “Bowen Aquarium is poised to make incredible waves throughout our community that go beyond job creation and economic impact. The Aquarium will highlight the incredible ecosystems and quality of life found on the Space Coast, drawing in the talent our business community needs.”
Winsten concluded: “Every day, we move closer to seeing Bowen Aquarium come to life. We will continue to make progress and begin construction later this year, sharing our updates and accomplishments with the community and stakeholders along the way.”
