The large-scale artwork will celebrate connected ecosystems and feature student-painted coral elements.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Zoo is adding a splash of art and conservation to one of its most historic spaces.
The zoo will unveil “Texas Waters,” a new large-scale mural inside the Friedrich Aquarium during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Created by Hawaii-based wildlife artist Patrick Ching, the mural highlights the journey of water through ecosystems — from underground aquifers to rivers and oceans — showing how nature stays connected.
Zoo officials say the project was made possible through the support of Susan Naylor.
Students from Will Smith Zoo School also helped paint sections of coral, giving the project a hands-on educational touch.
Those coral features tie into the zoo’s upcoming Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab, expected to open in summer 2026 next to the aquarium. The future lab will focus on coral conservation, restoration, research and education.
In short: fish tanks, fresh paint and a little Texas pride.