The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport has received its largest grant ever, in the amount of $5 million.
“It’s amazing," said Molly Dumas, the aquarium’s Director of Development. "We are so excited."
The money is coming from the Sisters, Oregon-based Roundhouse Foundation, which says on its website that it "supports creative solutions to the unique challenges associated with rural culture and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest."
For the aquarium, the money will go toward a nature play area for children and a new educational feature about Oregon’s headwaters.
The bulk of the grant will help build a Marine Rehabilitation Center, which Dumas said will mean the aquarium can provide more on-site medical care for animals, which will benefit both animals and staff.
"An 800-pound sea lion is very difficult to crate up and transport,” she said. "To aenesthitize an animal for that period of time is traumatic for them and it doesn't always have the best outcome."
Dumas said construction on the rehabilitation center could start early next year.
