The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) has reached a major milestone in the construction of its new Sees-Ha Xwee-Nish Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Following years of planning and fundraising, crews broke ground on the worksite in late 2024, and after months of site preparation the first of its walls have been raised, providing a glimpse of what’s to come.
The new center will include clinical facilities for veterinary diagnostics, observation, and treatment—all vital to both the Aquarium’s resident animals as well as wildlife rehab cases. The center will also limit the need to transport patients to other veterinary facilities—a measure that can further stress an injured animal and pose additional health risks.
OCAq 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. The facility will be comprised of three buildings and outdoor areas totaling just over 21,000 square feet, greatly expanding the Aquarium’s current capacity to accept and treat vulnerable wildlife.
“This has been years in the making,” said OCAq President/CEO Carrie Lewis. “Seeing those walls go up is a reminder that we’re incredibly close to the finish line—then our work truly begins.”
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.
This progress is made possible thanks to contributions from generous donors, including The Roundhouse Foundation, Dave and Julie Shafer, Marcia H. Randall Foundation, Dr. Dan & Karle Lewer, Ann J. & William Swindells Fund, The Hearst Foundations, Schlesinger Family Foundation, Miller Family Holdings, Christine & David Vernier, Marta & Ken Thrasher, and Estate of Deanne Bishop.
Construction, estimated to be completed in 2026, is divided into three stages. The first stage, building design and groundwork, is complete. The second, building structure and life support, is currently underway. OCAq continues to raise funds for the third stage, which focuses on animal enclosures, holding facilities, and additional life support.
Contribute to or learn more about OCAq’s future Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at aquarium.org/future.
