On May 25, 2016, local dignitaries and invited guests joined the nonprofit Aquarius Aquarium Institute's board of directors as they honored Roy and Betty Jura, the donors of the Fresno Aquarium property, at a groundbreaking celebration. To watch videos about our groundbreaking, be sure to visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

The commencement of construction activities on our property in support of the Aquaculture Building marks an important step in the Institute's goal of acquiring and raising the fish and aquatic animal collection that will make their homes at the Fresno Aquarium campus into the future. Our 10-acre site is located at the entrance to Fresno County adjacent to Highway 99 overlooking the San Joaquin River. see Google Map

This first "nursery" building will allow the Institute to begin the exciting process of receiving, quarantining and growing out both freshwater and saltwater fish as well as other aquatic life. Block Donors, Capital Campaign Contributors, Sponsors and Charter Members will be invited to exclusive tours of the facility on designated days during and after construction.

But this is definitely not the end of the Institute's fundraising needs. The community will need to continue and steadily increase its support of the Fresno Aquarium with donations, sponsorships, in-kind contributions and Charter Memberships in order for Fresno to enjoy a sustainable Aquarium and remain a debt-free operation going forward.

The Institute’s board of directors is not only thinking about raising the funds necessary to complete the construction of buildings, but also about adequately funding an endowment to support professional staff, raise and nurture the animals and fund all aquatic life support systems operations before the Fresno Aquarium can start benefiting from daily admissions income.

The specific timeline for each step of the journey toward a world-class public Aquarium in Fresno remains dependent on the pace of support from generous individual and corporate philanthropy, Charter Memberships and on collaboration with research institutions and other established Aquariums.

We invite you to join us or renew your support today.