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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.
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
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
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
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.
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COMPANY PROFILES
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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