Luna, Shelldon and the romp of otters are among the many exciting animals that are drawing visitors to the North Carolina Aquarium in record numbers—500,000 in a year to be exact. For the Aquarium team, more is more. More students, children and families who come for the animals and leave with inspiration. Reaching a broader audience is at the core of the Aquarium mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments.
“Our staff and volunteers are jubilant. We are passionate about creating an exceptional experience for everyone who walks through our doors and committed to inspiring individual action to protect the many fascinating animals at the Aquarium,” said Hap Fatzinger, director, NCAFF.
NCAFF and its sister facilities, the North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island, opened in 1976 as marine resources centers with a combined visitation of 341,000 in their first year of operation. Jennette’s Pier, the oldest fishing pier on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, rounded out the facilities in 2002. The four are among the 100 locations across the state under the management of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The 92,000-square-foot Aquarium features 400,000 gallons of freshwater and saltwater habitats with a collection of 240 species and 3,893 animals. Some of the animals create an instant connection—Luna, the albino alligator, two Asian small-clawed otter families, Shelldon, the green sea turtle, two loggerhead hatchling sea turtles, two sand tiger sharks, a bonnethead shark and Maverick the bald eagle. All of them endearing and most of them facing extinction.
“With so much at stake, sharing the story of these species takes on greater importance. A trip through the Aquarium is truly an immersive experience sparking solidarity with our mission in so many visitors and we hope it has a ripple effect,” said Deyanira Romo Rossell, communications manager, NCAFF.
The Aquarium is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., only closing on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. Advanced online tickets are required to visit the Aquarium. Visit NCAFF Admissions to secure your tickets.
