Aquarium Begins Work on Mall Space Set to Open This Year

Renovation and expansion projects planned for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) are exciting. There is so much to look forward to for the community, visitors, staff and volunteers. This transformative work will change the Aquarium experience for generations, and with all the excitement comes change, including a time when this cherished attraction will be closed for construction. To ensure that the important connection that NCAFF cultivates every day between visitors and aquatic ecosystems continues, the community can look forward to a unique aquarium experience at Independence Mall in Wilmington, N.C.

Construction begins Monday, Jan. 12, on Discovery Cove - a one-of-a-kind mall space featuring ambassador animal encounters, marine life habitats, environmental education programs and a North Carolina Aquarium Society gift shop where members will still receive their discount. The 8,000-square-foot mini-aquarium will also include offices for staff, animal holding and care areas, and life support systems behind the scenes. Discovery Cove is going up in the JCPenney Wing, on the Independence Boulevard side of the mall, between Belk and JCPenney.

"Our Aquarium lovers, students, teachers and everyone in the community can stay connected with us through this mall location," said Joanna Zazzali, NCAFF director. "We value our connections to the community createdthrough education programs, animal encounters and other experiences that enhance opportunities for everyone to join us in conservation action."

Construction of the new mall location is expected to take eight weeks. Following the construction phase, the Aquarium team will transform the space into a wonderful and welcoming spot for shoppers to stop in to relax among beautiful marine life. Moving staff, habitats and life support systems is all part of the process, meaning the opening date is several months away. The Aquarium looks forward to sharing the Discovery Cove grand opening day with the community when the space is ready.

Meanwhile, NCAFF remains open and looks forward to seeing visitors until closure for construction in the early part of this year. Online tickets are required to visit the Aquarium at NCAFF Tickets.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages, preserves, and promotes the foundational resources that define North Carolina - its dynamic arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 locations across the state, DNCR provides experiences to enhance education, stimulate economic opportunity, enrich quality of life, and strengthen communities. All are invited. For more information, visit dncr.nc.gov.