North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, welcomes visitors to "The Waters of the Cape Fear." To tour the facility is to take a journey down the Cape Fear River  from freshwater streams and swamps, to coastline habitats, to reefs and the open ocean. The focus of the Cape Fear Conservatory, the visitors first stop in the aquarium, is freshwater life. In this large, tree-filled atrium, streams, ponds and swamps are home to frogs, snakes, bass, catfish and perch. Carnivorous plants and box turtles hide among the conservatorys groundcover. American alligators, native to North Carolina, occupy one of the larger exhibits in the conservatory. Next up is the Coastal Waters gallery, which includes the Coquina Outcrop Touch Pool, with hands-on opportunities to learn about sea urchins, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, whelks and other creatures of a rocky outcrop surf zone. Masonboro Inlet Jetty features the fishes common around a wave-washed rock jetty. This gallery also includes an indoor salt marsh, a sea horse habitat, and a loggerhead sea turtle display. Holding 235,000 gallons, Cape Fear Shoals is the largest of the aquariums saltwater exhibits. This 24-foot-deep replica of an offshore reef offers two-story, multi-level views of several species of sharks, stingrays, groupers and moray eels  all at home within a rocky-ledge habitat. The Cape Fear Shoals aquarium anchors the Open Oceans gallery, which comprises several exhibits highlighting the creatures and habitats found off North Carolinas coastline. The realistic displays include an octopus, hard-bottom reefs and the wreckage of a sunken vessel, as well as two dramatically-lighted jellyfish cases. In 2005, the aquarium completed a unique exhibit with five new displays, collectively titled Exotic Aquatics. The exhibit now features lionfish, spiny lobsters, Hawaiian fishes, Pacific reef fishes, and dart frogs, all of which embody the Exotic Aquatics theme of strange and beautiful life on Planet Ocean. The creatures come from the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the West African Coast, and the Indo-Pacific. It is the aquariums first opportunity to display non-indigenous marine species. Across from the Open Oceans Gallery, a life-size model of a humpback whale, with her calf alongside her, dominates an entire wall of the aquariums marine building. To complete their tour of the marine building, visitors can watch skates and rays cruise the clear waters of their sandy-bottom habitat in the Shadows on the Sand exhibit. Just outside the aquariums marine building is a boardwalk that meanders through the aquariums Memorial Gardens. Making their way toward the aquarium exit, visitors can stroll through the lush gardens, learning about indigenous plants and watching birds from a birding deck. Near the main parking lot, visitors will find a lovely maritime-forest trail, perfect for walking, bicycling or bird watching. For a diversion, children and adults alike will enjoy sifting for sharks teeth in the nearby Fossil Pit.

Directions
Site Link

JUNE 2009

(Please note: some programs require registration and fee)

For all programs, children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM, please call 910-458-7468.

Pre-registration is required and taken from Monday-Friday 8-5pm.

Check web site for program details: www.ncaquariums.com

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

 

AQUARIST APPRENTICE

Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Find out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium critters.  Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our animals. Participants will also observe our Aquarists accomplish some of their daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Fee: $25.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. 

 

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. If you have ever cared for a home aquarium, you may have some idea of what it takes to operate a collection of salt and freshwater exhibits, with hundreds of animals. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. This unique opportunity is limited to 10 participants. Children under 8 are not permitted. Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee: $15.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

 

FOR CHILDREN/PARENTS

 

BREAKFAST WITH THE FISHES

Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 8:00 AM  

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 8:00 AM  

Get a sneak peek at the aquarium before it opens for the day. Coffee, juice, pastries and bagels are provided for guests. After breakfast participants are invited to feed some of our aquarium critters! Come and enjoy breakfast with your favorite aquarium resident, and stay to enjoy the rest of the morning.  Fee: $15.00 (includes the admission for the day).  $5.00 for children ages 2-5. NC Aquarium Society Members pay $7.00 per participant.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY TIME

Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Reptiles

Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Sharks

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Crabs

Creatures come alive in this story-telling and critter-creating program.  For pre-school children.  Fee: $5.00 per child.  Parents pay admission only.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

DADDY AND ME

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM         

Dads and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee:  $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

DINNER WITH THE FISHES

Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Bring your friends and family to enjoy a pizza dinner and tour the aquarium after hours. In this program you will go on a guided tour of our exhibits and learn all about our animals. For all ages.

Fee:  $20.00 for ages 6 and up, $5.00 for ages 2-5. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

MOMMY AND ME

Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM   

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 9:00 AM   

Moms and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee:  $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

 

OUTDOORS & EXPLORATION

 

CANOEING THE SALT MARSH

Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 9:00 am

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 9:00 am

Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 9:00 am

Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm

A three- hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe.  Activities may include crabbing, clamming, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion. Ages 8 and up. Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults.  Fee: $25.00 per participant. Admission to Aquarium is not included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

FORT FISHER HERMIT’S SCHOOL OF COMMON SENSE

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 8:00 AM  

Have you ever heard about the Ft. Fisher Hermit?  Maybe you were lucky enough to meet him. Join aquarium staff to watch the award winning documentary, entitled “The Fort Fisher Hermit: The Life & Death of Robert E. Harrill.” Then take a walk in the Hermit’s footsteps out through the marsh to the bunker where he lived.  Learn how the Hermit lived in the marsh surviving largely on plants and animals. Test your own skills catching and releasing food from the marsh. Ages 15 and up. Fee:  $18.00 with Aquarium admission, $10.00 without Aquarium admission. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

ROCKY OUTCROP EXPLORATION

Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Explore the only natural rock outcrop on the North Carolina coast and discover the marvelous marine invertebrates that live in this dynamic habitat. Ages 7 and up. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Fee: $10.00 per participant. Admission to the Aquarium not included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

SALT MARSH AND CRABBING

Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:00 AM         

Join us for this hands-on program that introduces participants to the challenge of catching blue crabs. Lessons in crab biology and crabbing equipment prepare participants for an exciting expedition outdoors to catch (and release) crabs. All bait and equipment is provided. Ages 7 and up.  Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Fee: $16.00 per participant, $8.00 for Aquarium Members. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

SURF FISHING WORKSHOP

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 8:00 AM

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:00 AM

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM

This 3-hour workshop includes one hour of classroom discussion, then surf fishing on the beach nearby.  All equipment and bait provided.  Program is rain or shine, with extra activities added in event of bad weather (e.g., throwing a cast net).  Ages 10 and up.  Fee: $12.00 per participant. Aquarium admission is not included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS

 

Aquarium summer camps provide fun and safe learning opportunities with knowledgeable and competent leadership. Camps run simultaneously for ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Ages 5-6, known as Aquanauts, become immersed in weekly topics through animal interaction, play, story telling, crafts, and hands on outdoor activities. Ages 7-9, Marine Detectives, use their investigative skills in animal programs, outdoor excursions, and interactive games to better understand new concepts. Ages 10-12, Ocean Explorers, participate with staff in experiences outdoors, and behind the scenes at the Aquarium, to discover each weekly topic. Ages 13-14, Coastal Crusaders, venture farther to explore different coastal environments, such as black water swamps. These campers also interact more directly with staff behind the scenes to assist with animal care.

 

SENSATIONAL SENSES

June 22-26, 2009 at 8:30 AM – 3:00PM For Ages: 5-6, 7-9, 10-12                                                      

June 29-July 3, 2009 at 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM For Ages: 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-14

How can a shark find food in the open ocean? Can a turtle see under water? Discover how animals use their senses to survive. Humans explore the world using five incredible senses. Animals share some of these, and have developed some of their own. By meeting and observing animals at the aquarium, and in surrounding habitats, campers discover how their senses help animals survive.

 

 

EXHIBIT OPENING

ALBINO ALLIGATOR

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a new, rare jewel in its collection: a female albino alligator. She is approximately four years old, is five feet long and weighs about 23 pounds.

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

 

AQUARIST APPRENTICE

Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Find out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium critters.  Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our animals. Participants will also observe our Aquarists accomplish some of their daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Fee: $20.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. 

 

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. If you have ever cared for a home aquarium, you may have some idea of what it takes to operate a collection of salt and freshwater exhibits, with hundreds of animals. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. This unique opportunity is limited to 10 participants. Children under 8 are not permitted. Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee: $15.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

FOR CHILDREN/PARENTS

 

BREAKFAST WITH THE FISHES

Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 8:00 AM  

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM  

Get a sneak peek at the aquarium before it opens for the day. Coffee, juice, pastries and bagels are provided for guests. After breakfast participants are invited to feed some of our aquarium critters! Come and enjoy breakfast with your favorite aquarium resident, and stay to enjoy the rest of the morning.  Fee: $15.00 (includes the admission for the day).  $5.00 for children ages 2-5. NC Aquarium Society Members pay $7.00 per participant.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY TIME

Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Crabs

Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Reptiles

Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM – Sharks

Creatures come alive in this story-telling and critter-creating program.  For pre-school children.  Fee: $5.00 per child.  Parents pay admission only.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

DADDY AND ME

Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 9:00 AM         

Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 9:00 AM

Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 9:00 AM          

Dads and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee:  $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

MOMMY AND ME

Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM   

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 9:00 AM

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM   

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 9:00 AM           

Moms and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee:  $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included.  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.