The NC Aquarium Society received a $25,000 grant from New Hanover County to support the expansion and renovation of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF), helping advance new habitats, educational spaces, and visitor experiences. A division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the North Carolina Aquariums connect more than a million visitors to the aquatic world each year, inspiring care and conservation of nature.
Members of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners presented the grant at Discovery Bay, the mini-NC Aquarium experience at Independence Mall in Wilmington. The contribution supports the Society’s capital campaign, Beneath the Surface: The Campaign for the NC Aquariums, which raises private funds to fuel enhancements across the Aquariums.
“The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has long been a pillar of the New Hanover County community,” said LeAnn Pierce, chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. “We’re proud to support its next chapter and the role this expansion will play in educating future generations about our sea life and protecting the environment it depends on.”
NCAFF broke ground on the transformative project in May, temporarily closing for the multi-year construction project. Once completed, the Aquarium will become the largest in the state, with a 400,000-gallon shark habitat, a new coral habitat, an interactive touch pool, and an expanded education center.
“Support from New Hanover County is helping us build an exciting future at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher,” said Joanna Zazzalli, director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, “We’re grateful for our fundraising partners at the NC Aquarium Society and for the county’s investment in new opportunities to spark curiosity, advance conservation, and connect people with the aquatic world.”
The expansion is made possible through public funds and private support raised by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the North Carolina Aquariums.
“As the North Carolina Aquariums celebrate 50 years, this generous grant from New Hanover County is a meaningful example of the partnerships that will help shape the next 50 years,” said Liz Baird, president and CEO of the North Carolina Aquarium Society. “Support like this helps turn ambitious plans into reality, creating the new awe-inspiring habitats, educational opportunities, and conservation work that will define the future of the NC Aquariums.”
While construction is underway, the Aquarium and Society are welcoming visitors at Discovery Bay. The unique aquarium experience in Independence Mall features aquatic habitats, educational exhibits, a retail store, and more. The public is also encouraged to visit the state’s other locations during the closure period – the North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island, along with Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.
Continue to follow NCAFF on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram for updates. For more information on the renovation and expansion, visit Oceans More to Come.
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. While NCAFF is closed for a transformative renovation and expansion, visitors are encouraged to stroll into Discovery Bay at Independence mall, a complimentary experience or reserve their tickets at NCA Pine Knoll Shores and NCA Roanoke Island or to visit Jennette’s Pier for some great fishing. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire care and conservation of nature by connecting people with the aquatic world.
About the North Carolina Aquarium Society
The North Carolina Aquarium Society is the nonprofit partner organization of the North Carolina Aquariums, celebrating 50 years of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life. NCAS raises private funds to champion the Aquariums and enhance the aquarium experience for all visitors. The private support raised by NCAS ensures the Aquariums can support their priorities – opening new habitats, nurturing aquatic life, and facilitating educational programs and conservation research.