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Meet the Aquarium Director - May - Jay Barnes, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Actual title: Aquarium Director Name of your zoo or aquarium: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores URL for your facility: www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores Number of species at your facility: Over 250 Your favorite critter at the facility: Tie: Goliath Grouper / Sand Tiger Shark Total number of animals or fish at your facility: Over 5,000 Number of visitors annually: 386,000 Number of employees: Approximately 90 Number of volunteers: Over 150 Annual budget: Approximately $3.6 million Degree(s): EDP Environmental Design (Product Design), N.C. State University; MFA Advertising Design, Syracuse University Experience prior to this position: I began my career with the Aquarium in 1980, when I was hired as the first Exhibits Curator. In 1987, I relocated to Raleigh and worked as Design Consultant in our division office, supporting the staffs of the three North Carolina Aquariums. In 1989, I moved back to Pine Knoll Shores to take the position as director. Favorite part of your job: Hearing from visitors, donors and community leaders about the impact of the Aquarium, the excitement and fun of our offerings and the friendliness of our staff. One dream wish for your facility: To see the Aquarium continue to prosper through facility growth (new educational ocean pier), educational impact, and self-reliance. Family: wife Robin, daughters Heather and Lindsey Pets at home: Golden and Lab: Tanner and Jasmine When you retire, you plan to: Write, paint, teach, travel and continue advocacy for the North Carolina Aquariums |

I think we should move on from having dolphins in captivity now - we all know this isn't good for them.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a magical place. The flora, fauna, remoteness and beauty are exquisite. Another interesting aspect is how the indigenous people there live. To learn more and see photos taken by indigenous children in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, you can visit ninosdelaamazonia.org
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