Page 69 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

GIVING BACK
story by Cherie Ward photos courtesy of Mississippi Aquarium
At Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, giving back flows
as naturally as the tides. Beyond the exhibits and sea life encounters, the aquarium is dedicated to conservation, education, and community outreach through connecting people with the wonders of the Gulf and the importance of protecting it.
Since opening in 2020, the aquarium has rescued and
The aquarium also brings its mission ashore. Staff and volunteers have collected more than 44,000 pounds of Mardi Gras beads to protect wildlife, hosted beach cleanups, and donated to more than a thousand local events. Nearly 90,000 students have taken part in aquarium education programs, while more than 75 volunteers have contributed 50,000 service hours.
rehabilitated nearly 200 cold-stunned and critically endangered sea turtles, hatched the first African penguins
in Mississippi, and partnered with NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation on coral restoration projects in the Gulf. Its work connects visitors to marine conservation while supporting recovery for species affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
With programs like free Pre-K passes and community admission days, Mississippi Aquarium proves that giving back isn’t just part of its mission—it’s the current that carries everything it does.
Learn more at msaquarium.org or follow Mississippi Aquarium on Facebook and Instagram.
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