The Texas State Aquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. It aims to promote environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1995. It is the largest aquarium in Texas, and one of the largest aquaria in the United States. History Originally conceived by a coalition led by the Junior League of Corpus Christi, and named the Gulf Coast Zoological and Botanical Society, the organization changed its name to the Corpus Christi Aquarium Association in 1978, and then to Texas State Aquarium Association in 1986 after the Texas State Legislature designated it the "State Aquarium of Texas". Despite its name, it receives no state funding. After more than 20 years of fundraising, planning, and building, the Texas State Aquarium opened its first exhibit to the public on July 6, 1990. In 1993, it became a federally permitted animal rehabilitation facility, and in 1995, it was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). On May 13, 2017, the Texas State Aquarium opened Caribbean Journey, an expansion that doubled its size and added new exhibits, including a 400,000-gallon shark exhibit, a jungle aviary, and a 4D theater. The president and chief executive officer of the aquarium is Jesse Gilbert. Exhibits The animals in this aquarium are often relocated, so this page may not reflect the most recent changes. Exhibits may include the following: Caribbean Jungle: Featuring flamingos, free-flying birds, a two-toed sloth, and other species in a naturally lit jungle habitat, guests walk along a simulated jungle pathway and can look into the aquatic exhibits below. H-E-B Caribbean Sea: This 400,000 gal (1,500,000 l) aquatic exhibit contains sandbar sharks, stingrays, and other species. Guests can view the exhibit from the longest acrylic display window in North America or walk through an acrylic tunnel. Coral Reef: Replicating the features of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off the coast of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Coral Reef exhibit gives a look at a marine ecosystem and the species that reside there. Species include angelfish, goatfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Blue Hole: This exhibit showcases a blue hole, deep underwater caverns that can descend hundreds of feet below sea level. Guests can step inside an acrylic "bubble" to view this exhibit from an underwater perspective. Dolphin Bay: This 400,000 gal saltwater exhibit