A New Journey

S O U T H C A R O L I N A A Q U A R I U M

2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

“You made yourselves an ocean and handed it over to the citizens of this incomparable

and water-dazzled state, as a gift and offspring and handiwork and offering from

the heart of things … this Aquarium is a love song we wrote in praise of our state. It stands

as a metaphor for many ecstatic impulses that sprang forth during the creation of

this building.”

Pat ConroyAuthor and Director Emeritus

Our Mission The South Carolina Aquarium is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research, and by providing an exceptional visitor experience.

A New JourneyDear Friends,

The past year has been transformative. In the space where Madagascar Journey once stood, now we find an expanded sea turtle hospital and innovative animal care center. This interactive learning experience enables every visitor to the South Carolina Aquarium to connect with the sea turtles in our care. As our guests encounter these charismatic creatures’ journeys, they are inspired to protect what they have grown to love.

The next phase of the Watershed Campaign will focus on making an impact outside our walls – in the natural world and in public discourse.

To protect native species and saltwater, freshwater and terrestrial habitats, the Aquarium’s staff will take part in a variety of research projects and fieldwork. These efforts will contribute to species preservation and habitat restoration, and they will help us understand our human impact on delicate ecosystems. Going forward, we will forge partnerships with a diverse array of academic, private and public research agencies to spearhead research that may yield unprecedented outcomes for our field.

To address our world’s conservation challenges, the South Carolina Aquarium is ready to provide expert leadership in public forums. Communities coast to coast are seeking a trusted interpreter of science and preservation of the natural world. We are uniquely positioned to engage our diverse audiences in a rational, science-based discussion of the conservation issues of our time, from rising sea levels to plastic pollution to threatened habitats.

Thank you for your continued and generous support. What we have accomplished together for science, for the natural world, for education and for the community is remarkable and will forever change the lives of those that interact with the Aquarium. I look forward to seeing what more we create together.

Thank you.

Jonathan ZuckerChairman of the Board of DirectorsSouth Carolina Aquarium

Senior LeadershipKevin MillsPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Jack HigginsExecutive Vice President andChief Operating Officer

Juan-Pablo ManciaChief Financial Officer

Courtenay LewandowskiSenior Director, Strategy and Advancement

Brian BrasherDirector of Capital Projects and Facilities

Albert GeorgeDirector of Conservation

Rachel KalisperisDirector of Husbandry

Kevin KampwerthDirector of Brand Identity and Aquarium Experience

Lauren McDanielDirector of Guest Services

Karen MonahanDirector of Marketing

Paul NunezDirector of Human Resources

Brian ThillDirector of Education

Board of DirectorsChairmanJonathan Zucker

Vice ChairmenPete SnidermanDixon Woodward

TreasurerJ. Donald HigginsDirector Emeritus

SecretaryCatherine Smith

Vice SecretaryJim Twining

MembersElizabeth Colbert-BuschLarry ColshanDeirdre FortsonM. Frederick “Fritz” Gitter, M.D. Andrew Gowder, Jr.Dwayne GreenJim HansenMason HollandValerie HowellDavid JohnstonBrenda LauderbackBrian MarleyGary McLaurinJay MillenJohn H. NeelyThompson PenneyDavid RiversRichard RothMissy SaulsScott SniderPeter StonefieldJames H. “Jeddie” Suddeth IIIEmily SwansonJohn SwinkGeorge WattThomas WrightStephanie Yarbrough

Chairmen EmeritiJames L. Ferguson *Kenneth “Ken” SeegerHilton C. Smith, Jr.M. William Youngblood, Esq.Jerry Zucker *

Directors EmeritiPat Conroy *John DanahyWilliam A. FinnBruce HeckerJ. Donald HigginsSheila HodgesPeatsy Hollings *Kate JeromeRobert R. MacdonaldLayton McCurdy, M.D.The Honorable Robert E. McNair *Mary Alice MonroeThe Honorable Richard W. RileyVictor Samra, Jr. *Ted Stern *

* deceased

Realizing Our PromiseDear Friends,

A wide-eyed second grader from the Upstate spies the Atlantic Ocean for the very first time. A resurgent loggerhead sea turtle slips into the ocean after nine months of quiet rehabilitation. A toddler leans uncertainly against the window of the Great Ocean Tank and watches a silvery jack shimmer past.

These watershed moments define the South Carolina Aquarium and our mission to inspire care for the natural world. In the past year, tens of thousands of schoolchildren have entered our walls to discover unimaginable realms of aquatic life and to take the first fledgling steps toward environmental stewardship. Tourists have arrived in record numbers, bolstering the local economy and ensuring the Aquarium’s role as one of Charleston’s most visited family destinations.

Our reach outside of our walls continues to expand. We have hosted a series of town hall meetings to discuss the impacts of rising seas along our coastline. Our educators have visited classrooms around the state, bringing animals and vital STEM education to students unable to travel to Charleston. Our biologists have joined partners in critical assays of wildlife populations, from freshwater mussels to shorebirds.

All of this work has been enabled by the generous support of our community of donors. At the midpoint of our ambitious Watershed Campaign, we are more than halfway to our goal. We are grateful for the confidence displayed in our mission and ability to serve, and look forward to realizing the promise of connecting people everywhere with water, wildlife and wild places.

Sincerely,

Kevin MillsPresident and CEO South Carolina Aquarium

EducationEducation is at the core of the

South Carolina Aquarium’s mission, and we strive to instill a sense of awe and respect for the natural world in

students of all ages.

6,495

Students served through our free Structured

School Program

26,592

Students served through our outreach and distance

education programs

699

Attendees engaged in adult education through

Holland Lifelong Learning events last season

I will becomea lifelonglearner.

I will be inspired to take action.

ConservationThe South Carolina Aquarium is mobilizing

populations statewide to consider the reality of sea level rise, the crisis of plastic pollution, and the impact of unsustainable fishing and

consumption practices. We are uniquely equipped to translate these seemingly insurmountable threats into opportunities for individual and

collective action.

535

Participants at Breaking Down Plastic, a daylong conference convening

top authorities in policy, advocacy and innovation to discuss methods for

tackling plastic pollution

137K

Pieces of trash cleaned up and logged in the

Litter-free Digital Journal, a project within the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science App developed by MDI Biological Laboratory

700+

People reached at five coastal town hall meetings

from Myrtle Beach to Savannah addressing the impact of rising sea levels

I will connect with their stories.

Animal CareThe professional biologists and aquarists at the South Carolina Aquarium deliver excellent care for every animal, maintaining a collection that

encompasses the diversity of wildlife in our state. The Aquarium’s staff and volunteers demonstrate a passion for and responsibility to these animals, providing comfort, nourishment and enrichment

for each species.

39,800

pounds of seafood fed to our animals

each year

268

species in the Aquarium’s collection

4,660

Individual animalsin the Aquarium’s

collection

I will see the

ocean for the first

time.

Guest ExperienceTime and time again, guests leave the Aquarium

moved by an exceptional visitor experience. Impeccable facilities, interactive exhibits and expert staff make every visit to the Aquarium

engaging and unforgettable. Our dedication to making lifelong memories for every guest

is central to our mission.

6,047

Guests admitted, free of charge, thanks to the

Aquarium’s Angelfish Fund and open-access initiatives

12

Nature-themed LEGO® brick sculptures introduced

in BricksALIVE, each illustrating an important conservation message

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse

this content.

8M

Guests welcomed to the Aquarium since its

opening in 2000

I will protect what I love.

Sea Turtle Care Center™

The Aquarium’s celebrated Sea Turtle

Care Center is one of the foremost programs on the East Coast for preserving endangered species and inspiring conservation. With the

opening of Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™, the Aquarium has created a revolutionary learning

landscape that awakens passion among every guest. Additionally, the establishment of the

McNair Center for Sea Turtle Conservation and Research has launched a world-class research

program, positioning our institution as an eminent destination for innovative animal

care in our region.

243

Sea turtles released as of October 2017

7

New tanks in Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery –

enabling the Sea Turtle Care Center to double its

capacity to care for sick and injured sea turtles

450K

Visitors each year that now witness the inspiring story of sea turtles and can connect with these remarkably charismatic

creatures

Restoring Oyster Reefs at Wappoo CutTo help buffer the shoreline along Wappoo Cut, a South Carolina Aquarium team unloaded oyster shells along the bank, shielding the shoreline against erosion and rising tides. The new shell reef is part of the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (SCORE) statewide effort to increase habitat for oysters, fish, crabs, shrimp and turtles.

Bottlenose Dolphin StudyIn partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, the South Carolina Aquarium is studying the effects of the harbor deepening on our local dolphin population. Researchers use a variety of non-invasive techniques, including photo identification, to record dolphin distribution before, during and after the harbor dredging to identify any changes that occur.

Horseshoe Crab Nesting Population Assessment Aquarium staff conducted Atlantic horseshoe crab surveys during the evening high tides from April to June, the crabs’ spawning season. Assessments of these spawning aggregations are important to monitor the population status and spawning site selection of crabs in South Carolina for fishery management regulations and habitat protection.

Lionfish RemovalSouth Carolina Aquarium staff conduct dives to aid in the removal of lionfish from local reefs. This invasive species has no known predators outside of their native habitat. Lionfish are depleting the fish and other marine life in our waters. These efforts are intended to decrease the lionfish’s impact on reefs and marine environments.

Robust Redhorse Conservation ManagementThe South Carolina Aquarium takes part in a conservation management program for the robust redhorse, a freshwater fish that was once thought to be extinct. Along with partnering companies and government agencies, Aquarium staff are working to breed the robust redhorse. Adult fish are spawned where collected, the eggs are hatched in captivity and released back into the river to contribute to wild robust redhorse population growth.

Freshwater MusselsFreshwater mussels are some of the most endangered organisms in North America and are indicators of environmental fluctuations. The South Carolina Aquarium engages its skilled dive team to survey freshwater mussels in rivers at depths previously inaccessible. This work, done in collaboration with government and nonprofit partners, has increased survey area and accuracy of mussel population estimates throughout the state.

Sand Tiger Shark Species Survival PlanThe South Carolina Aquarium joined resources with other institutions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to support the initiation of a Species Survival Plan for the sand tiger shark, participated in breeding workshops and assisted with reproductive health exams on shark specimens at Marineland in St. Augustine, Florida and Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach.

Fieldwork and Research

South Carolina Aquarium staff give their skills and expertise to protect our state’s animals and

environments. From population assessment surveys to restoration of critical habitats, the

contributions of Aquarium staff in the field help ensure a healthy future for South Carolina’s water,

wildlife and wild places.

156

Horseshoe crabs recorded in the 2017 survey

130

Days Aquarium staff spent on conservation

projects in 2016

996

Dolphins sighted since our study partnership with

NOAA began in 2014

Dennis and Bebe CoyleWilliam and Erble CreasmanStephanie and Jeff CulliganRichard and Tiffney CullumJohn and Lynn CunninghamDellBen and Sara DewolfRobert and Jean DolsonGina and Chris DoyleDerek Drockelman and Molly HulettDunes PropertiesLawrence FierohChris and Elizabeth FisherMs. Anne F. Forrest and Ms. Billie OatesFort Mill School DistrictMr. and Mrs. Brian GiarroccoDiane GoffGreat Shrinking Fund of Fidelity CharitableAmy and William HarleyMr. and Mrs. Wallace HeadRobin and Lucille HefkaEmmett HigginsJack and Karen HigginsEdward P. HolderHoney Perkins Family Foundation, Inc.Catherine and Gary HornfeldtJohn and Shayna HowellDouglas and Lee HurdThe John M. Rivers, Jr. Foundation, Inc.Simons JohnsonMettrie and John LariCourtenay and Norbert LewandowskiJane and Rayner LottonAlicia and Gary LovellThe Lundy Fetterman Family Foundation TrustMr. and Mrs. Spencer LynchSandy MacCossMagic Memories Ltd Corporation Sharpshooter ImagingBill and Lydia MatthewsMr. and Mrs. Scott McElhaneyMeredith Corporation FoundationMiller Family TrustMorgan Stanley c/o Cybergrants, Inc.Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church Learning CenterMVP TextilesJoseph and Susan MyersWilliam and Jocelyn NotzDr. Patrick M. O’NeilRalph and Lyric OgdenDr. and Mrs. James M. OrcuttTerry Peterson and Scott Shanklin-PetersonWhitney K. PowersMr. and Mrs. Mark PresperRalph and Mary PrincipeCharles, Rachel, and Rebecca RittenbergNeil and Vicki RobinsonSeabrook Island ClubMindelle K. SeltzerBaron Short and Nicole SackDebra J. Battjes-Siler and Scott A. Siler T. Grange Simons, VElaine and Bill SimpsonThe Small and Greif FamiliesNewman J. SmithJulie SnowTed and Susan SoderlundSouth Carolina Sea Grant Consortium

Sheila and Jim HodgesMs. Kate JeromeK & L Gates LLPMrs. Brenda J. LauderbackMr. and Mrs. David LeonardLoggerhead Apparel, LLCPalmetto Gunite Construction CompanyThom and Gretchen PenneyFred and Joan PittmanSolon-Andreas FoundationCol. and Mrs. George B. Stackhouse IIRichard and Shara StarW R Starkey MortgageWilbur S. Smith and Stephanie E. Smith-Phillips FoundationMrs. Gloria A. Zeller

$1,500 – 2,499 DonorsJames and Claire AllenBetsy AndersonRegina Anderson and Christian BrutzerMs. Susan Anfin and Mr. Jim DoyleAnn AshB&B Title Insurance Agency, LLCMrs. Beverly BairdMike and Laura BaurEsther and David BeckmannNathan P. Berry and Ceara DonnelleyMr. and Mrs. Richard N. BookerBoylston Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SCBen and Eleanor BoylstonDr. and Mrs. Patrick BritellGreg and Shirley BrownMr. and Mrs. Wilbur BurbageKaren and Louis BurnettClyde Burris and Linda BrowderMr. and Mrs. Stephen A. ByrneJoseph J. Calandra, M.D.Dennis and Nancy Lee CawleyKaty W. ChungDennis and Enid ClarkClifton and Barbara Green Family TrustKristine and Cameron CloseCNT Foundations, LLCCollege Hunks Hauling JunkCommunity Foundation of New JerseyDelta PharmacyJean and John DenningDr. Naomi Donnelley and Mr. Joseph ButlerLee and Laura DuncanWalt DunlapJo DurhamKevin and Laura DygertEdisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle ProjectEncouragement Foundation TrustAnna and Colin EwingFirst Home MortgageJohn G. FradellaLynne and Dennis GettlefingerJoseph GrochowskiTed and Joan HalkyardDennis and Brooks Holt and FamilyDorothy and George IngramMarsha B. JenkinsMichael and Denise JohnWalter and Peggy JonesMr. and Mrs. James H. Keyes

Craig and Julia EddyElliott Davis DecosimoJudy Fainsan-HelperJoey and Amy FoxhallFriends of Jim ClyburnEdward and Renee GibsonFritz and Alyssa GitterPaul Goetowski and Sheila Lyons-GoetowskiMr. and Mrs. Steven D. GrayHarris Bank - Community Affairs OfficeLow and Brucie HarryHendrix Charitable FoundationMr. and Mrs. William B. HewittGeorge and Julianne KhouryRachel and Jim LandisMr. and Mrs. Thomas LauderdaleTed and Tricia LegaseyLowcountry Parrothead ClubDr. John K. LuedemanCathy MarinoDawn and Jim McDonaldKaren McDonaldRobert and Kathleen MontgomeryDavid and Nancy MorrowNew Jersey State Aquarium at CamdenPeter NicholasTom Ognibene and Katherine MooreLaura M. PalermoThe Pittsburgh FoundationPropertee-Three LLCMike and Chris RousseauJay and Sandra RutherfordKaren Rylander-Davis and Richard DavisJohn and Suzanne ScofieldGabriel SmithIke and Betsy SmithShane and Tammy SwansonThe Temkin Family Foundation TrustWells Fargo Bank, N.A.Dixon and Erica Woodward

$500 – 999 DonorsAnonymousLane and Adam AbrahamsenDr. Sy BaronMark and Dawn BergrenLee BlackmonMr. and Mrs. J. Sidney Boone, Jr.Cheryl and Thomas BoswellJohn and Jane BrooksAustin R. BrownKenneth and Chris BrownRichard and Ann BurtonDan and Teresa ButtsJames and Courtney BuxtonThe Campbell’s Family FoundationDr. and Mrs. James CashJohn Catts and Sheila RoebuckCenter for Humans and NatureJim and Julie ChalupskyDr. Jerry and Nancy ChambersCharitable Lead Unitrust of Adelle H. WestCharleston MixPhilip and Angela ClarkeRobert G. Clawson and Helen E. ClawsonLia and Greg ColabelloAlice ColwellMike and Amy Cox

William and Diane KingKNI, IncJune and Mariano La ViaChip and Coleman LegertonMarjorie and Raymond LeonardJames C. LintzenichJennifer LisiakMr. and Mrs. Steve D. LivingstonLS3P Associates, Ltd.Dr. Terri Luhrs and Mr. John CampCartter and George LuptonMr. and Mrs. Robert R. MacdonaldMr. and Mrs. Robert MacphersonMadyl Fund of Fidelity CharitableMr. and Mrs. Brian T. MarleyCheryl Mathias Oliver H. MathewesBeth McCartyFred and Paula McLeanThe Tom and Lynn McNally FamilyRon and Janet MendolaCharles and Sarah MillerAnthony and Janet MillsKevin Mills and Suzy PfeiferMolony Metal Works, LLCGus and Wendy MolonyMachelle MorningstarLawrence H. MoserMTO Productions IncNational Marine Sanctuary FoundationNational Philanthropic TrustNature Adventure OutfittersPaul and Julie NocidaOxford Fund Inc.Amy and Bill PayneJim and Sherri PorterfieldMr. and Mrs. Torrance I. PowellMr. and Mrs. Richard T. RothDrs. Michael T. and Mary Gene RyanJoseph and Claire SchadyKaren and Dean SchmelterSeabrook Island Natural History GroupMitchell L. ShermanMarilyn and Stephen SnidermanMillicent F. SoftyDan Solomon and Laura DoveScott and Kristi StokleyTucker E. SummervilleJohn SwinkUnited Way of the MidlandsAndrea L. VolpeVolunteer Fire Department of Sullivan’s IslandJason and Amy WaltonMrs. Elaine F. Warren and Mr. Jon PalmCarl WarschauskyMr. and Mrs. Rob WimberlyWood Foundation

$1,000 – 1,499 DonorsGloria Schraibman AdelsonAll Seasons Landscape and Maintenance, LLCCharlie and Annie AndrewsAshley HallHowell and Nancy BeachCarole BergmanIn Memory of William R. Bradshaw From: Mrs. William R. BradshawThe Dennis and Brooks Holt Foundation

$250,000+ Donors The Robert and Janice McNair FoundationThe State of South CarolinaAnita G. Zucker, Jonathan Zucker and Family

$100,000 – 249,999 DonorsCity of CharlestonBruce and Nedra HeckerFran and Dennis NolanPNC FoundationDr. and Mrs. H.D. Schutte, Jr.Jordana and Scott Snider

$50,000 – 99,999 DonorsAnonymousThe Boeing CompanyCoastal Community Foundation of SCThe Fortson FamilyMary and Mason HollandScott and Valerie HowellIngevityThe Oliver S. and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable TrustThe Samuel Freeman Charitable TrustSCE&GSouth Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and TourismSteve and Emily Swanson

$25,000 - 49,999 DonorsAnonymousCharles River Laboratories International, Inc.Charleston County GovernmentDuke Energy FoundationGary C. McLaurinPalmer & Cay SC LLCPathfinder Foundation, Inc.Charles and Celeste PatrickCraig and Stephanie SedmakMichael and Pam Wilson Family

$10,000 – 24,999 DonorsMr. Frederick C. Baker and Mrs. Hiroko YanagidaBP Amoco ChemicalsThe Ceres FoundationCrews Subaru of CharlestonCW & Dorothy G. Love Foundation, Inc.Bill and Prudence FinnFripp Island Turtle ProgramThe Gildea FoundationGlaser + Company, LLCHaynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.Isle of Palms - Sullivan’s Island Turtle TeamDenny and Karen LarabeeMcNair Law Firm, P.A.Medical University of South CarolinaNCGS Laboratories, Inc.John and Susan NeelyNelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLPLeslie and John Salmon IIKen and Monica SeegerNancy C.G. Snowden and Family

South Carolina Federal Credit UnionThe Stonefield FamilyVWR Charitable FoundationPeggy and George WattTom and Kathleen Wright

$5,000 – 9,999 DonorsBlueCross BlueShield of South CarolinaCharleston Day SchoolCharleston Metro Chamber of CommerceColbert Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SCMary Ann and John DanahyThe Dominion FoundationThe Ethel and W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, Inc.Foundation for the CarolinasAndy and Mendy GowderTerry Ann GrahamMr. Clifton D. Green, Jr.Mr. David F. HaddowDon and Margaret HigginsThe Joanna FoundationKinder Morgan FoundationManor House Builders of South CarolinaGinger and Jay MillenGreg and Jill ParsonsPGAV ArchitectsPublix Super Markets CharitiesAddison RungeSantee CooperSea Turtle Getaways, Inc.Karen SherwoodCatherine and Hilton SmithPeter and Lydia SnidermanThe Springs Close FoundationTD BankTighitco, Inc.Town of Kiawah IslandTrident United WayUnited Community BankUnited Way of Greater AtlantaMr. and Mrs. David Van BurenVolvo Cars US OperationsWhiting-TurnerBeverly M. Wyse

$2,500 – 4,999 DonorsAstenJohnson, Inc.AT&TKimberly and John Baden, IVBastian & Associates, The Boulevard Co. AffiliateBallentine Elementary SchoolEsther and David BeckmannThe Benevity Community Impact FundRyan and Sharyn BluesteinThe Boeing Company - Gifts Matching OfficeC. Louis Meyer Family FoundationCaldwell PartnersJill and John ChalstyCharleston Water SystemStuart and Sheila ChristieMrs. Elizabeth Colbert-Busch and Mr. Claus W. Busch IIIDon and Pebby CombeeJill and Bryan CurbMatt and Jenny DorseyDave FalkMr. and Mrs. Christopher Frushone

South State BankMonte StengerSummerville Elementary School of Dorchester School Dist. 2Larry and Judy TarletonTaylor Agency InsuranceJane and Lou TheilingDr. Robert W. Tilney and Ms. Lorraine G. TilneyThe Tompkins FamilyLewis TopperTristan Catering and EventsPhil and Helene WeissDavid and Alene WilkinsKevin and Charity WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Leo WilliamsDr. and Mrs. S. Marsh WillisThe WindjammerGene and Mary Anne WitchgerMelissa and Jon YarianSusan and Kimberli YonceFrank and Sandra Ziffer

$250 – 499 DonorsAnonymousRobert and Lois AbeleRichard and Tannis AlkireDave and Mary AllenJohn Lyle and Cindy Allestad-LyleCindy and John Allred, Zach FennessyChristine S. AlmeidaCharles and Susan AltmanGuyton and Suzie AshAmie and Jonathan BabinchakMr. William Lamar BaehrPamela and David BakerAllison and Durrell BarryBarbara BaumannPamela BayagichChad Beckmann and Sharon BeckmannGary and Karen BeelerJohn, Lisa and Carmela BefumoBlackwater, LLCJulia BoltonMelinda and Derek BeresEarnest and Cora BrownLawrence R. BurtschyAmy and Roger BermanDaniel CaplanCharleston Charter for Math and ScienceJames and Nancy ChiltonChipotleCoastal ExpeditionsDavid and Kimberly ColemanCharles and Joy ConstantSamuel and Cecile CothranJill and John CoxRay and Suzi CurlerHal Currey and Peggy SchachteJessica CutlerMr. and Mrs. James Lee DavisElizabeth and William DawsonGordon Dehler and M. WelshMr. and Mrs. Jonathan DenboerCarol DrowotaJohn and Katie DukesEaster Seals of South CarolinaAnn EbertCarolyn and Chuck Eiserhardt

Ernest and Kimberly EllisonRegina EngleMike and Marsha EvansMr. and Mrs. James FergusonJan FeronsBenjamin Fine and Deborah SyrettMitchell and Sydney FischbeinMatthew and Sissy FlemmingFrank and Martha ForresterHenry FriedmanMr. and Mrs. Nickie GeorgeGirl Scout Troop 48David and Kimberly GoadSteven and Sarah GoodwinGreg and Kate HatcherLaura HaverstickEthan & Rowan HearnDawn and Ed HeaveyDr. and Mrs. Todd HeldrethPatricia HenleyMr. and Mrs. Heiko F. HenningDebora and Jonathan HenryDavid and Janis HoffmanMac HolladayKip Hooker and Valerie SessionsRoss and Greer HostetterMr. and Mrs. Raymond HoulihanMr. and Mrs. Larry S. HouseMargaret and Byron HyltonQuentin and Susan JacksonMary and Patrick JansenDr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Jenrette IIJean and Tap JohnsonMichael Johnson and Amanda McLenon-JohnsonGuy Jones and Cynthia FlynnKelly and Kevin KampwerthEni Kennedy and Shannon KennedyAnnette KiblerMr. and Mrs. Michael KirkMr. and Mrs. Charles J. KociJean KoppWendy and Tom KulickDr. and Mrs. Seth Kupferman and FamilyLuke and Mary LackmanMegan and Chad LeeDr. and Mrs. Eric G. LeveenJoel and Rachel LevineKent LewandowskiDaniel and Madelene LewisWilliam and Tine LivesayGinny LottMrs. John G. MacDougalWade and Diana ManakerDana McCarthyDyllan McGeeTC and Marlo MeredithBob and Patricia MeselStephen MiahkySamantha MillsMichael and Ellen MintzLani and Tom MyronBeth and Jay NathanMr. Josh Lamb and Ms. Emily NelsonPaul and Caroline NunezDebbie O’RearChristine PapadeaIna Petrovich and Christiane McNeal

We would like to thank the following donors who contributed philanthropic gifts to the Aquarium from April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017

Donors

$250 – 499 Donors (cont.) Philip Simmons Elementary SchoolRusty and Kathryn PickettPlantation ResortPorter-Gaud SchoolP.A. and Torrall PournelleNorris and Lucy PreyerDr. Amanda Price and Dr. Kevin PriceAmanda and Ben PritchettDaniel RakeMrs. Susana Rendon and Mr. Mario CepedaMr. H. N. Ritter, III and Mrs. Ann K. RitterAnne and Kenneth RobichauxJoseph Rohrbacher and Sylvia WilsonMaggie and Moraud RoudsariRoyall Hardware, Inc.Kenneth Rudo and Jean Hoyle RudoJodi RybaMr. and Mrs. William SaalMichael and Lisa SchoolsSchwab Fund for Charitable GivingMr. and Mrs. John Craig SeymourThomas and Patricia ShannonGary and Brenda SharpJohn and Barbara SirianniMr. and Mrs. Hunter SmithSpartanburg Methodist CollegeJames and Margaret StandsDr. and Mrs. Andrew StecJennifer SteeleEugenia SteinJan and Susan SuwinskiTalbotsMr. and Mrs. Gregory O. TheosJaime and Jeff ThomBrantley and Debra ThomasMr. and Mrs. Christopher ThomasJudy ThomasMr. and Mrs. Jeff VinzaniDeborah and David WatsonBonnie WellsMr. and Mrs. Killough H. White IIZed and Christina WhiteJames and Gloria WienerMark Williams and Jennifer SteeleRobert and Natalie WilsonDonald and Renee WolfeDon and Ronnie WolfswinkelFred and Beautsie ZahrnStephen and Suzan Zoukis

Watershed SocietyAnonymousMerritt and Allison AbneyDave and Mary AllenJames and Claire AllenBetsy AndersonRegina Anderson and Christian BrutzerElizabeth AndreasAnn AshKimberly and John BadenMrs. Beverly J. BairdFred Baker and Hiroko YanagidaCacky and Tradd BastianMike and Laura BaurEsther and David BeckmannMr. Travis BedsonNathan P. Berry and Ceara DonnelleyBrooks Bezamat and Lisa VearRyan and Sharyn BluesteinMr. and Mrs. Richard N. BookerSharon and Nigel BowersBen and Eleanor BoylstonTim and Rachel BrennanJessica BrewerMr. and Mrs. Patrick BritellGreg and Shirley BrownMary Bullen and Polly KronenbergerMr. and Mrs. Wilbur BurbageKaren and Louis BurnettClyde Burris and Linda BrowderDr. Naomi Donnelley and Mr. Joseph ButlerMr. and Mrs. Stephen A. ByrneJoseph J. Calandra, M.D.Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie N. CarterMr. and Mrs. Dennis CawleyMr. and Mrs. John E. Cay IIIMs. Jennifer A. ChalstyJill and John ChalstyStuart and Sheila ChristieKaty W. ChungDennis and Enid ClarkKristine and Cameron CloseMr. Stephen Colbert and Mrs. Evelyn McGeeMrs. Elizabeth W. Colbert-Busch and Mr. Claus C. Busch IIDon and Margaret CombeePeter and Mary ConwayNorma and Lawrence CorioMr. Scott A. CorwonLynn and John CunninghamJill and Bryan CurbMary Ann and John DanahyGeorge Darren and Renee TaylorMr. Richard K. Davis and Mrs. Karen L. Rylander-DavisMs. Carolyn DayJean and John DenningMatt and Jenny DorseyCarol DrowotaMr. Walt DunlapJo DurhamStephen and Megan DurkeeKevin and Laura DygertAnna and Colin EwingJudy Fainsan-HelperScott and Dorothy FarfonePaula Feldman and Peter MugglestoneMrs. Esther FergusonBill and Prudence Finn

Katarina FjordingDee and John FortsonAmy and Joey FoxhallMr. John G. FradellaMr. Kevin FrankMr. Ken FrenchMr. and Mrs. Christopher FrushoneMr. and Mrs. Duncan S. GageKevin and Sandra GaryStephen L. GavelBrooks and Bryson GeerDr. and Mrs. Dennis M. GettelfingerMr. and Mrs. Trevor GildeaAndy and Mendy GowderMr. and Mrs. Steven D. GrayMr. Clifton D. Green, Jr.Mr. Joseph GrochowskiMr. David F. HaddowTed and Joan HalkyardErika HarrisonBruce and Nedra HeckerMrs. Patricia G. HeckerMr. and Mrs. William B. HewittDon and Margaret HigginsSheila and Jim HodgesMary and Mason HollandHank HollidayScott and Valerie HowellReba and Harry HugeDorothy and George IngramMrs. Martha R. IngramDavid and Hollie JacksonMarsha B. JenkinsMs. Kate JeromeMichael and Denise JohnKaren and Matt KaplanBettie and Jim KeyesMr. William W. King and Ms. Diane E. RowanJune and Mariano La ViaRachel and Jim LandisDenny and Karen LarabeeBrenda J. LauderbackChip and Coleman LegertonMr. and Mrs. David LeonardRaymond and Majorie LeonardRobert and Ann LewisDr. Terri Luhrs and Mr. John CampCartter and George LuptonMs. Kaye LyonMr. and Mrs. Robert R. MacdonaldMr. and Mrs. Robert MacPhersonMr. and Mrs. Brian T. MarleyOliver H. MathewesCheryl MathiasMr. David D. May and Mrs. Edie B. MayBeth McCartyMr. Gary C. McLaurinFred and Paula McLeanMr. Keith McLoughlinMr. and Mrs. Thomas M. McNallyRon and Janet MendolaChris and Kate MettlerJudy and Steve MilitoGinger and Jay MillenCharles and Sarah MillerKevin Mills and Suzy PfeiferTony and Janet MillsGus and Wendy Molony

Beezer and Emily MoltenMachelle MorningstarNancy and David MorrowLawrence H. MoserRobert Musser and Barbara FrancisMr. and Mrs. John H. NeelyPaul and Julie NocidaFran and Dennis NolanZac and Sara PainterMr. and Mrs. Stephen M. ParksTom and Mary ParringtonGreg and Jill ParsonsCharles and Celeste PatrickErin PauleyAmy and Bill PayneThom and Gretchen PenneyFred and Joan PittmanJim and Sherril PorterfieldMr. and Mrs. Charles ReitmanMr. and Mrs. Richard T. RothChris and Mike RousseauMr. Arthur J. RudolphJay and Sandra RutherfordDrs. Michael T. and Mary Gene RyanMr. and Mrs. Robert RyanDanielle and Michael SaiaMrs. Alexandra S. SamraMs. Melissa SaulsJoseph and Claire SchadyKaren and Dean SchmelterDr. and Mrs. H.D. Schutte, Jr.Craig and Stephanie SedmakKen and Monica SeegerEd Sellers and Suzan BoydScott SharpMitchell L. ShermanKaren SherwoodCatherine and Hilton SmithIke and Betsy SmithDr. Stephanie E. Smith-Phillips and Dr. James H. PhillipsJordana and Scott SniderMarilyn and Stephen SnidermanPeter and Lydia SnidermanMr. and Mrs. William L. SnowNancy C.G. Snowden and FamilyMillicent F. SoftyDan Solomon and Laura DoveDr. W. Michael SouthgateCol. and Mrs. George B. Stackhouse IIRichard and Shara StarScott and Kristi StokleyLaura and David StoneThe Stonefield FamilyTucker E. SummervilleShane and Tammy SwansonSteve and Emily SwansonJohn SwinkJim and Linda ThompsonMr. and Mrs. James V. TwiningMr. and Mrs. David Van BurenAndi VolpeJason and Amy WaltonMrs. Elaine F. WarrenMr. Carl WarschauskyPeggy and George WattMr. and Mrs. Claudius E. Watts IVKevin and Charity Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Michael WilsonMr. and Mrs. Rob WimberlyDixon and Erica WoodwardShane and Jennifer WoolfTom and Kathleen WrightBeverly M. WyseBill and Tomi YoungbloodMrs. Gloria A. ZellerMrs. Anita Zucker & FamilyJonathan and Laura Zucker

Nautilus SocietyMembers of the Nautilus Society have pledged their support to the James L. Ferguson Permanent Endowment ensuring the South Carolina Aquarium will be a source of magic and wonder for generations. We are thankful to these individuals who have included the Aquarium in their estate plans.Jim* and Esther FergusonDr. and Mrs. Dennis GettlefingerRichard* and Karen Sherwood

Gifts In KindAardvarkBottles Beverage SuperstoreSharon and Nigel BowersCharleston MagazineCharleston MixChick-Fil-ACru CateringDiamonds Direct FoundationDick’s Sporting GoodsDuvall EventsEventHausFlat Spot ChartersFleet LandingHoly City BreweryHome Team BBQKarson PhotographyLoggerhead ApparelNature Adventures OutfittersOther Brother EntertainmentO2 FitnessPlants AlivePorter-Gaud SchoolProduction Design AssociatesRepublic Garden and LoungeSandlapper CornholeSnyder Rentals & Spike Bar ServiceThe Glass OnionTotal Wine & MoreTruluck Pool CompanyThe UPS StoreVictor Social ClubWhole Foods MarketWonder Works Toys

Honor GiftsCassandra AboodRegina AndersonAiden and Ansley BemanJudi BeahnSophie Berman“Big Jim”Kate BorgNigel BowersClaudia BrownJeffrey Brown “Happy Birthday”

Mary BrownPamela BrownThe Brown’s AnniversaryLinnea ColwellPierce CopenhaverCatie CurranWhitney DanielMrs. Beth DemasLinda Myers DoveAmber DriscollLaura DuncanSam and James FrushoneMelanie Garland “Happy Birthday!”Barb Gobien, Sea Turtle Hospital Volunteer. We were touched by her dedication to rehabilitating Boyles. Happy birthday, Barb! Thank youVirginia GoldsmithOur Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren who attend and love the AquariumRobert and Ronda GreavesVicki GreeneJesse L. GreifDaphne Q. HadleyJulie HaileEmma and Piper HamrickMerry Christmas Ellen HarrisonMargaret P. HayWendy HolschuhBradley HunterThe Island Turtle Team Carol Moore JacksonJaneJay, Willis, Sanders, and DavisAddison JohnsonRachel KalisperisKate LedbetterWill, Frances and Mary LessaneNorbert Lewandowski and Courtenay Burley Lewandowski The wedding of Norbert and Courtenay LewandowskiValerie Lynne, turtle lover!Alan Marcus “Happy Birthday!”Chris MarlowMy grandson, Hendrix Marley Mazyck. May he grow to love these creatures as much as I do.Jeff McClaryTammy McGeeMike and Linda’s AnniversaryKevin Mills Mary Alice Monroe and her book Swimming LessonsDebbie Montville RogersN. Myrtle Beach Turtle Team memberJohn Neely’s milestone birthdayScott NemethCatherine NetterHannah NiemiCarol NormentAidan O’CallaghanSharon O’Donnell “Happy Birthday”Anna PeachMy Mom, PerciMy cousin, Stacey E. Reaves, who loves sea turtles!Nancy RhineGrace RhodesWilliam Richardson and Marilyn MixsonSarahJulia Schady

Gail SchifferJohn and Sue ScofieldHilton Smith, Jr.Violet and Olivia SmithAnna and Peter Stonefield William StonefieldWilliam Robert Stonefield (on the occassion of his Bar Mitzvah)Mr. and Mrs. David ToppingJake and Ean TuckerJennifer WarnerCora WilsonJackie and Jason WongKelby Anne Woolf and MacKenzie Jean WoolfAnita and Jerry ZuckerAnita, Jonathan and Laura ZuckerJerry ZuckerJonathan and Laura Zucker

Memorial GiftsSilverio AlmeidaEaston Oliver BranhamBettie BurnsMatthew CignovicBob ClarkeAnnice “Tippy” CopeChrysti CosbyGail CoughlinCucumberMike DeGruyHenry DittertJames L. FergusonBarbara GreenCheryl HardyAnn T. Harris Arden Hildebrandt, “turtle walker” from South Litchfield BeachTyler HurtleJohn LigonSusan Meisner, Ph.DMargaret MusumSarah Lee O’Donnell Sarah Sampson O’DonnellDorothy ReardonGrace and Glenn RhodesGrace Rhodes Debbie RogersCatherine RutoloDr. Jerome ShackGeneral Obbe SeigniousMy parents, Carroll and Virginia Steele, Founding MembersDr. Theodore S. SternJennifer WarnerBilly WarrenRuth A. WilsonJerry Zucker

Volunteers 5,000+ hoursSusan ElliottSherry FoxJay HubbellDonald JonesLois JonesDiane Lauritsen

2,500 - 4,999 hoursBarbara BergwerfKarl BunchDavid CorvetteJohn FeeWilliam FetzerCharles FoxAmy FunderburkPatricia HenleyMike HenryJeff HoovenRobert JuzupsEric KentEdward ManigaultHarry PolychronJudy RobertsEllie SetserGeorge “Buck” StackhouseLouis SteinkeAl StraubJane SwingJohn SwinkWilliam ThorsbyKarl Von MutiusHal Wynne

Donors in italics signify a matching gift company.The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations.

RevenueAdmissionsContributions and GrantsMembershipConcessionsFacility RentalsFundraising EventsProgram RevenueInvestment IncomeOther Income

Total Revenue

$5,596,238$3,288,550$1,221,084$654,166$410,793$282,650$213,124$1,221$266,147

$11,933,973

Expenses Program Services Husbandry Facilities Education Conservation External Affairs Guest and MemberTotal

Exec, Finance and AdminFundraisingMembership

Total Expenses

$1,377,366 $1,272,350 $922,501 $335,644 $1,691,619 $1,850,205 $7,449,685 $1,878,173$1,013,108$48,811

$10,389,777

Our Future The South Carolina Aquarium has begun to embrace and expand its identity as a world class leader in conservation with an increased focus on research and fieldwork. In addition, the Aquarium will unveil new, unprecedented entertainment features that will delight our guests as never before.

During the second half of the Watershed Campaign, the Aquarium will emerge as a critical contributor to research across multiple areas of work, from bottlenose dolphins to robust redhorse. We will boldly address the changing face of our ocean’s health and assert our role in protecting vulnerable resources.

We will deeply engage in solutions-based dialogues to address the crisis of plastic pollution and the threat of rising sea levels along our coast. Through citizen science, we will challenge the community to engage with the natural world, and in doing so, we will inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Within our walls, we will refresh this magnificent space to enhance our guest experience and focus on elements of play that inspire learning, activities that promote curiosity and collaboration and spaces that welcome the community to gather and interact.

With your support, the South Carolina Aquarium will advance toward a future animated by bold leadership in research, education and conservation. We are honored to count you a partner in this new phase of the journey.

Invest in this Watershed Moment.To find out how to make an individual, planned, corporate or foundation gift, call our Advancement Office at (843) 579-8628 or visit scaquarium.org/give.

Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Audited Financial Statements

100 Aquarium WharfCharleston, SC 29401(843) 577-FISH (3474)

This publication is printed on environmentally friendly recycled paper and partially manufactured using biogas. Biogas is produced from the decomposition of landfill waste.

Conservation Matters