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Our vision is to serve as a trusted resource for ocean education and conservation in the Pacific Northwest, and we believe in leading by example.
Our Plan
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has connected over 15 million visitors with the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. As an organization committed to Oregon’s marine wildlife, the Aquarium is moving forward with improvements designed to foster future generations of ocean advocates.
These improvements can be broken down into five key steps: expansion and remodel of our admissions, lobby, and café; renovation of our Nature Play Area; remodel to our indoor galleries; enhancements to education programming; and construction of a dedicated Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Currently, four of our five focus areas have been completed. Thanks to incredibly generous donors and supporters, our lobby, admissions, and café renovations were finished in 2023, while the newly reimagined Nature Play Area opened in 2022. Improvements to our education programming are ongoing, supported by the construction of a dedicated outdoor amphitheater for ambassador animal presentations.
The third phase of renovations–the improvement and expansion of indoor galleries–completed in late 2024 with the grand opening of our new Jelly Gallery.
Our Future
We’re currently working on the last of our major milestones: construction of a dedicated Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Gallery renovation will be staggered as we make these improvements, as to not have all of our galleries closed at once. See the above table for the latest news on upcoming closures and reopenings.
Building A New Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The Sees-Ha Xwee-Nish Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will expand the Aquarium’s capacity for providing critical care to injured, stranded, or endangered marine animals. Upon completion, the Center will allow staff to provide both immediate and long-term medical attention, giving vulnerable wildlife a second chance at survival.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of three facilities in the Pacific Northwest, and the only in the state of Oregon, authorized to provide critical care to endangered marine animals like sea turtles, northern fur seals and snowy plovers. Currently, the Aquarium only has one building—an outdated, re-purposed warehouse—to do this work.
behind the name…
In recognition of the indigenous peoples of Oregon’s central coast, the Aquarium partnered with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz to name the center Sees-ha Xwee-Nish, meaning Ocean Life, using Athabaskan words from their heritage, including Na-Dené, Alsea, and Yaquina.
with a new center we will be able to…
Increase Urgent Care
On average, the Oregon Coast Aquarium treats 275 marine animals per year. While the Aquarium’s location is perfectly situated on the central coast to rapidly accept stranded or injured animals, our ability to provide urgent care is dependent on funding and available treatment space.
Continue Ongoing Animal Care
While the Aquarium strives for the eventual release of wildlife, survival sometimes necessitates they remain in our stewardship. To carry on with quality animal care, the Aquarium relies on earned income from general admissions, membership dues, and donations.
Train Future Veterinarians
The Aquarium is planning to offer a veterinary student practicum, working with local and international veterinary associations and universities to aid interns and veterinary students with their medical training requirements. Within the new center, vet students will be provided with greater opportunities to work alongside our husbandry team.
Provide Onsite Veterinary Services
The new center will include clinical facilities for veterinary diagnostics, observation, and treatment. This will limit the need to transport injured wildlife to a veterinary hospital an hour away—a measure that often induces further stress on animals and poses additional health risks.
Increase Urgent Care
On average, the Oregon Coast Aquarium treats 275 marine animals per year. While the Aquarium’s location is perfectly situated on the central coast to rapidly accept stranded or injured animals, our ability to provide urgent care is dependent on funding and available treatment space.
Continue Ongoing Animal Care
While the Aquarium strives for the eventual release of wildlife, survival sometimes necessitates they remain in our stewardship. To carry on with quality animal care, the Aquarium relies on earned income from general admissions, membership dues, and donations.
Train Future Veterinarians
The Aquarium is planning to offer a veterinary student practicum, working with local and international veterinary associations and universities to aid interns and veterinary students with their medical training requirements. Within the new center, vet students will be provided with greater opportunities to work alongside our husbandry team.
Provide Onsite Veterinary Services
The new center will include clinical facilities for veterinary diagnostics, observation, and treatment. This will limit the need to transport injured wildlife to a veterinary hospital an hour away—a measure that often induces further stress on animals and poses additional health risks.
This vital work also presents the unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience with marine species. In partnering with institutions of higher learning, wildlife organizations and local veterinarians, the Aquarium provides practical research opportunities for veterinary students to aid in their medical training requirements. With the new Sees-Ha Xwee-Nish Marine Rehabilitation Center, we can expand those partnerships and foster the next generation of marine wildlife professionals.
What we do wouldn’t be possible without:
The Aquarium is fortunate to be located in close proximity to, and partner with, several scientific, educational, and environmental organizations.
Construction has been made possible with contributions from: The Roundhouse Foundation, State of Oregon, Anonymous, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Starker Forests Inc., Jim Pattison/Roth’s Fresh Markets, The Sunderland Foundation, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Robert & Sharon Miller, Marcia H. Randall Foundation, Jeanette Bertea Hennings Foundation, Al M. Gleason, Ann J. & William Swindells Fund, John & Nancy Dennis Family, Christine & David Vernier, Ray Hickey Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Marta & Ken Thrasher, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Hillman Family Foundations, Schlesinger Family Foundation, Hearst Foundations, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, and more.
