Our Philanthropy team has accomplished so much this year!

Editor’s note: We are reflecting on our 12 most impactful moments of 2025. Your support made these incredible stories of rescue, recovery and wonder at your Zoo possible. Thank you. We celebrate what your support made possible – and ask you to help create even more magical moments in 2026. Learn more here.    

2025 was a year of major acceleration toward bringing Bowen Aquarium to life. From hitting campaign milestones to finalizing construction designs, there’s a lot to celebrate.  

“This year has felt like standing inside a mission that’s coming alive in real time,” said East Coast Zoological Foundation’s (ECZF) Chief Philanthropy Officer Robyn. 

While there were a lot of wins, we also faced some challenges. Rising construction costs had us reshaping our goals and creating new strategic plans to launch phase two of Our Legacy Campaign, our $140 million campaign working to bring Bowen Aquarium to life and further support Brevard Zoo. However, our Philanthropy team worked hard to not only meet but also rise above our fundraising goals for the year.  

This year alone, we raised around $5 million for the Aquarium, bringing our total to over $73 million. We also officially surpassed our Zoo’s fundraising goal for the campaign by raising $19 million over the last few years! We’re incredibly grateful to our community, new partnerships and Aquarium Founders who have helped us achieve these milestones. In 2025, we welcomed 62 new Founders, bringing our total to 413.  

“Every gift, large or small, is shaping a space where wildlife and people will thrive together,” said Robyn. “Leading ECZF’s fundraising efforts has been both humbling and energizing. Every donor conversation, design milestone and breakthrough has reinforced the magnitude of what we’re building for this community.” 

Our Philanthropy team also celebrated the addition of new staff members and a new office space to meet the needs of our expanding team. The team has grown to 17 to help support our campaign’s increased goals, and the department has been soaking in every minute of increased energy and support.  

A few other standout moments include finalizing construction designs and moving toward a signed contract with our construction owners. 

While there’s a lot to celebrate this past year, we’re also looking forward to 2026 with great ambition. Here are some top moments to look forward to: 

• Construction milestones as we prepare to break ground on Bowen Aquarium.   

• Expanded donor experiences, including behind-the-scenes previews, construction tours and program-focused gatherings. 

• The public launch of the next phase of the campaign, including new naming opportunities and deeper community engagement. 

• The debut of major conservation and education storylines that will define Bowen Aquarium’s impact for decades. 

Next year will mark unprecedented achievements and tangible progress in our campaign. We thank everyone for their continued support throughout the year and belief in our integral mission.

“Bowen Aquarium is more than a building; it’s a conservation engine, a regional learning hub and a promise to the future of our waterways,” said Robyn.

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.