AUSTIN, Texas – It was quite a sight Wednesday at the Capitol on Texas State Aquarium Day.

  • Corpus Christi-based aquarium one of largest in Texas
  • Aquarium looking to expand
  • Seeking at least $8 million

Sea horses, starfish, gators and snakes took over the Capitol steps. The Corpus Christi-based aquarium is the largest in Texas and one of the largest in the country. The aquarium is looking to expand and add a new Wildlife Rescue Center. It is asking lawmakers and other state partners for help securing between $8 million to $12 million.

The existing Wildlife Center is located three miles from the aquarium. The aquarium’s CEO Tom Schmid said bringing it on-site will give visitors a unique opportunity to see the work they do. He said on average, the center sees 400 animals a year. Last year, extreme weather caused a spike to around 1,400 animals.

Schmid said that shows the need for more preparation to treat future animals.

"I think it's really important for our area in particular so we're now the number one oil exporting port in the country, we're seeing more and more extreme weather events. We want to make sure that in the Coastal Bend and in South Texas that we're prepared for any kind of emergency that could impact marine animals. So we just want to be ready,” said Schmid.

The entire cost of building a new Wildlife Rescue Center is around $20 million.