Fort Fisher Aquarium Wilmington North Carolina
Introduction
Fort Fisher Aquarium is a popular attraction located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is an educational and entertaining facility that is perfect for families, school groups, and anyone who loves marine life. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic animals, from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and jellyfish. Visitors can learn about the creatures that inhabit our oceans and get up close and personal with them.
History
The Fort Fisher Aquarium was opened in 1976 as part of the North Carolina Aquariums system. The system was created to promote an understanding and appreciation of North Carolina's aquatic environments, and to inspire conservation of the state's marine and freshwater resources. The Fort Fisher location was chosen for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, which provide a diverse range of aquatic habitats to explore.
Exhibits
The aquarium is divided into several exhibits, each showcasing a different aspect of marine life. The largest exhibit is the Cape Fear Shoals, which features a replica of a shipwreck and a variety of fish, including sand tiger sharks, stingrays, and moray eels. The Freshwater Conservatory is home to a variety of fish, turtles, and alligators, while the Seahorse Gallery features over a dozen species of seahorses and their relatives.
The aquarium also has a Jellyfish Gallery, where visitors can see several species of jellyfish up close, and the Ocean Reef exhibit, which showcases a variety of colorful fish and coral. The aquarium's outdoor exhibits include a touch tank, where visitors can get hands-on with some of the aquarium's resident creatures, and a garden area featuring native North Carolina plants.
Activities
Visitors to the Fort Fisher Aquarium can participate in a variety of activities, including daily feedings and animal encounters. The aquarium also offers educational programs for school groups and families, including behind-the-scenes tours and overnight stays. Visitors can also take part in special events throughout the year, such as the Halloween-themed "Trick or Treat Under the Sea" and the "Sea Turtle Project," which teaches visitors about the aquarium's sea turtle conservation efforts.
Conservation
The Fort Fisher Aquarium is committed to conservation and education. The aquarium participates in several conservation programs, including the Sea Turtle Project, which works to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles in the wild, and the Oyster Hatchery Program, which helps restore oyster populations in the Cape Fear River. The aquarium also hosts educational programs for school groups and the general public, and offers resources for teachers to use in the classroom.
Conclusion
The Fort Fisher Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. With its diverse exhibits, hands-on activities, and commitment to education and conservation, it is a great place to learn about the creatures that inhabit our oceans and the importance of preserving their habitats.
