On May 8, they will finally be able to stop counting.
After nearly four years of repairs, the center is reopening its doors to the public with new exhibits Saturday for the first time since Hurricane Harvey.
"It feels great," said Sally Palmer, the communications coordinator for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. "It just feels nice to have this completed and be back in the community."
The center suffered damage from Hurricane Harvey and was forced to build new exhibits after completing repairs to the walls, roof, floors and windows.
When it came time to assess the damage, the staff thought it was reasonable to question the future of the center.