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NEWS
Controversy surrounds planned San Antonio Aquarium
POSTED 12 Sep 2014 . BY Alice Davis
Exterior view of Portland Aquarium Credit: Darkpool via Wikimedia
The last thing anybody wants around an aquarium is murky waters. But recent reports of a new aquatic attraction opening in San Antonio, Texas, are mired in controversy.

Concerns have arisen because of the owner’s recent history in the aquarium business.

Vince Covino says he wants San Antonio Aquarium to be the “best aquarium in the world for a 10-year-old.”

But the controversy and reports that emanate from his other aquariums, co-owned with his brother Ammon Covino, place that ambition in jeopardy. The Covino brothers co-own Portland Aquarium, Idaho Aquarium and Austin Aquarium.

Ammon Covino is currently in jail serving a one-year sentence for conspiring to bring illegally harvested spotted rays and lemon sharks to his aquarium in Boise, Idaho. The jail term is followed by a two-year ban on working with wildlife exhibits or purchasing animals. Former Idaho Aquarium director Chris Conk was also found guilty.

Meanwhile, at Portland Aquarium, the Oregon Humane Society was last year holding an investigation after staff leaked details of the alleged deaths of more than 200 animals. “We were investigating the Portland Aquarium based on complaints,” Barbara Baugnon, the society’s marketing communications director, told Attractions Management. “We found no issues that violated the law so the case is now closed.” Vince Covino denied any maltreatment of animals at the Portland Aquarium in 2013.

He is planning to house 3,000 animals, with snakes, lizards and birds as well as fish and marine life at San Antonio. The site is currently a disused car dealership.

Despite his brother Ammon’s conviction, Vince Covino last month told the San Antonio Express-News that the door was open for him to “become director or employee down the road.”

So far, none of the Covino attractions have AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditation.
MORE NEWS
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A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
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Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
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NEWS
Controversy surrounds planned San Antonio Aquarium
POSTED 12 Sep 2014 . BY Alice Davis
Exterior view of Portland Aquarium Credit: Darkpool via Wikimedia
The last thing anybody wants around an aquarium is murky waters. But recent reports of a new aquatic attraction opening in San Antonio, Texas, are mired in controversy.

Concerns have arisen because of the owner’s recent history in the aquarium business.

Vince Covino says he wants San Antonio Aquarium to be the “best aquarium in the world for a 10-year-old.”

But the controversy and reports that emanate from his other aquariums, co-owned with his brother Ammon Covino, place that ambition in jeopardy. The Covino brothers co-own Portland Aquarium, Idaho Aquarium and Austin Aquarium.

Ammon Covino is currently in jail serving a one-year sentence for conspiring to bring illegally harvested spotted rays and lemon sharks to his aquarium in Boise, Idaho. The jail term is followed by a two-year ban on working with wildlife exhibits or purchasing animals. Former Idaho Aquarium director Chris Conk was also found guilty.

Meanwhile, at Portland Aquarium, the Oregon Humane Society was last year holding an investigation after staff leaked details of the alleged deaths of more than 200 animals. “We were investigating the Portland Aquarium based on complaints,” Barbara Baugnon, the society’s marketing communications director, told Attractions Management. “We found no issues that violated the law so the case is now closed.” Vince Covino denied any maltreatment of animals at the Portland Aquarium in 2013.

He is planning to house 3,000 animals, with snakes, lizards and birds as well as fish and marine life at San Antonio. The site is currently a disused car dealership.

Despite his brother Ammon’s conviction, Vince Covino last month told the San Antonio Express-News that the door was open for him to “become director or employee down the road.”

So far, none of the Covino attractions have AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditation.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
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COMPANY PROFILES
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
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