Groundbreaking Date Announced for Bowen Aquarium

April 15, 2026 – (Brevard Zoo Press Release) East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking date of December 2, 2026, for Bowen Aquarium. This innovative project will be an additional home for the important conservation, education and animal wellbeing work that ECZF and the Aquarium’s sister campus, Brevard Zoo, has led for decades.

As ECZF continues toward groundbreaking, the team has made significant progress in the last year, including:

— Completed 100% design of the Aquarium.
— Developed and permitted an advanced wastewater treatment approach for the backwash from our fish filtration systems that manages water quality right at the source.
— Selected and contracted with a construction management company, PCL, that solicited bids for the project, and determined construction costs.
— Developed a strategic financial plan with our advisors and BofA Securities.

To date, $74 million (53 percent) has been secured toward our $140M fundraising goal, a reflection of the strength of this campaign and the commitment of this community. Next month, ECZF will launch a new campaign solely focused on fundraising for Bowen Aquarium.

Bowen Aquarium will offer a unique experience to guests with its focus on native Florida wildlife while also serving as a regional conservation hub with an emphasis on restoring the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding ecosystems. By protecting and maintaining these healthy waterways, ECZF sustains the recreational lifestyle the community is known for, protecting property values and safeguarding tourism.

In addition to Brevard Zoo, Bowen Aquarium will attract and retain a high-talent workforce to the East Coast of Florida. The Aquarium also will allow us to build additional research and innovation partnerships in the region.

Source: Our Legacy Campaign