Future Bowen Aquarium, Conservation Center Receives $250,000 East Coast Zoological Foundation Grant
By Space Coast Daily // April 25, 2025
Bowen Aquarium will span 14 acres of shoreline along the Banana River in Port Canaveral
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — East Coast Zoological Foundation announces a $250,000 grant from Bank of America East Central Florida to support ECZF’s Our Legacy Campaign, a $100 million community fundraising effort to build the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center.
The future Bowen Aquarium will be the second campus built by ECZF, which currently owns and operates Brevard Zoo. It will focus on coastal conservation, environmental education and the rehabilitation of imperiled marine species throughout Florida.
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Bank of America funding will support hands-on marine science experiences, informal science educational opportunities, and enhanced levels of ocean literacy to a large and diverse population from around the world, all starting at the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center. Since 2022, Bank of America has invested $280,000 to support ECZF’s efforts to connect visitors to the natural world through relevant, unique, and enjoyable zoo experiences.
“Providing this funding to establish the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center demonstrates our support of the organization’s mission to educate the public and positively contribute to the environment,” said Peter Mannino, president, Bank of America East Central Florida. “We look forward to seeing how the aquarium and conservation center will deepen our community’s connection to its local waterways, as well as teach visitors about ocean conservation and sustainability.”
Groundbreaking for the future Bowen Aquarium is expected in 2025, with an anticipated opening in 2027. The future Bowen Aquarium will span 14 acres of shoreline along the Banana River in Port Canaveral, facilitate meaningful connections between visitors and Florida’s marine life and coastal ecosystems. The project is expected to create more than 900 jobs and attract over 300,000 tourists annually, engaging at least 525,000 visitors each year.
About East Coast Zoological Foundation
Driven by a mission to answer the call, East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is focused on educating, engaging and empowering the community to take action for conservation. The 501c(3) nonprofit located in Melbourne, Fla., includes the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center campuses that will work collaboratively to ensure the best results for wildlife. ECZF works directly with Florida species and the community to develop programs and workshops to make a difference locally and around the world.
From sea turtle rehabilitations and releases, building living shorelines along the Indian River Lagoon, providing scholarships and grants to the community and more, the Foundation creates opportunities for guests to connect with nature and make an impact in conservation and education. Founded in 1986, ECZF is governed by a volunteer board of directors and receives no recurring operating funds from any city, county or state government, relying on donations from people and companies to continue answering the call for wildlife and the environment along Florida’s Space Coast and beyond. To learn more, visit ourlegacycampaign.org.
