The aquarium is trying to obtain government funding for an expansion: Fort Fisher aquarium seeks $20M expansion | WilmingtonBiz
Here is another article about the aquarium's plan to fundraise for future renovation: Plans in place to improve Fort Fisher Aquarium
A new exhibit is opening and it is called 'Otters on the Edge' and will feature Asian Small-clawed Otters. It is a $1.8 million project and will open later this year. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher to Add New Otter Exhibit
I need to visit in the coming weeks, although I have yet to see a confirmation about the otters opening. Could be a softer opening as of now. Looks like a really nice space, making use of the rather underutilized greenhouse area. Although it is interesting to see them shift focus away from native wildlife. Now I imagine focus will shift to the new shark tank and renovations of the saltwater section, although that will likely be delayed quite some time.
News Between September 2020 to December 2021*: Spoiler On September 8th, the aquarium announced that they have acquired (0.0.10+) Atlantic spadefish from the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores which are now on exhibit in the Buzzard Bay tank. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=622716438619015 On October 6th, it was reported that the aquarium opened to the public after being closed for 14 months due to the pandemic. During that time, they built renovated exhibits for their American alligator and bald eagle, as well as built a new roof inside the conservatory. Fort Fisher aquarium reopens with new habitats after six month closure On December 3rd, it was reported that the Otters on the Edge exhibit has completed construction and has opened to the public. New "otterly adorable" exhibit opens at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher On June 9th, 2021, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Asian small-clawed otter named Oscar passed away at age 9 due to chronic kidney disease. Log into Facebook On October 19th, it was reported that the aquarium transferred a (1.0) Asian small-clawed otter named Triton to the Sunset Zoo in Kansas.** It was also reported that the aquarium acquired (1.1) Asian small-clawed otters from the Greensboro Science Center in South Carolina and Kansas City Zoo in Missouri respectively. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher adding new otters to exhibit - WWAYTV3 On November 18th, the aquarium announced that they have acquired (0.0.2) loggerhead sea turtles from two different nests in August. They were later named Journey and Hatch. Log into Facebook On November 27th, it was reported that the aquarium will receive $10 million from the state for expansions, renovations, and a new historical visitors center. Beach towns get chunks of renourishment money and other line items in state budget | Port City Daily * There was a post in 2021 that seahorses were born, but I decided not to include them due to not specifying how many or what species they have. ** It looks like for whatever reason that transfer may have not happened. 2022 News: On January 20th, it was announced that a (1.0) Asian small-clawed otter named Triton was transferred to the Georgia Aquarium in Georgia. Log into Facebook On January 26th, the aquarium announced that due to avian influenza, they have moved their (1.0) bald eagle named Maverick as well as their waterfowl off-exhibit. They were back on exhibit by mid-July. Log into Facebook Log into Facebook Log into Facebook On May 30th, the aquarium announced that (0.3) Asian small-clawed otters were born on May 21st. On August 17th, the aquarium announced that they are now on public display. On August 30th, the aquarium announced their names, Stella, Mae, and Selene. Log into Facebook https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=5269925876436557 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3349071495326750
On October 26th, the aquarium announced that due to avian influenza, they moved their bald eagle and wood ducks off exhibit. Log into Facebook
On February 1st, the aquarium announced that (2.1) Asian small-clawed otters were born. We have a secret... SURPRISE!!! - NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | By NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | We have a secret... SURPRISE!!! Boy or girl? It's time to find out! | By NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | Facebook
On March 24th, the aquarium announced the otters' names, Gamma, Ren, and Kai. On April 25th, the aquarium announced that the otters made their public debut. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Will our otter pups join their family on habitat? It's time for their public debut. | By NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | Facebook On May 2nd, the aquarium announced that its bald eagle is now back on exhibit. On May 22nd, the aquarium announced that its wood ducks are back on exhibit. Maverick is back out and splashing in his pond! This rescued bald eagle is beloved by visitors, volunteers and staff. We know everyone is grateful to see him back. Read more: https://www.ncaquariums.com/ncaff-blog/posts/maverick-is-back-again | NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | https://www.ncaquariums.com/ncaff-blog/posts/maverick-is-back-again DUCK, DUCK, LOOSE... With Avian Flu numbers falling, our veterinary team gave the okay for wood ducks, Holly and Hickory, to once again free-roam the Aquarium conservatory. See them daily at the Roan Island habitat. Advance tickets are required: ncaquariums.com/tickets-ff | NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher |
Spoiler: Rehabilitation News On October 18th, the aquarium announced they released (0.0.2) loggerhead sea turtles named Pip and Scout into the wild. Farewell Pip & Scout!... - NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher On May 30th, the aquarium announced they opened a new exhibit to the public, Caribbean Corals. Species on display include moly miller blennies, tobacco bass, redspotted hawkfish, clown wrasses, blue chromis, a sharpnose puffer, and live coral, among other animals. https://www.ncaquariums.com/newsroo...s-stunning-reminder-of-protecting-coral-reefs On July 7th, it was reported that during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the aquarium broke an attendance record with 500,000+ visitors visiting. Fort Fisher aquarium breaks visitor record | Port City Daily On October 12th, the aquarium announced they transferred a (0.1) Asian small-clawed otter named Mae to an unspecified AZA facility in Florida in early October. https://www.ncaquariums.com/newsroom-fort-fisher/posts/first-otter-daughter-leaves-the-nest One of the first otters born at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher moves to Florida - WWAYTV3 On October 13th, the aquarium announced they acquired (0.0.2) loggerhead sea turtles later named Aleta and Pico which are now on exhibit. https://www.ncaquariums.com/newsroo...hoose-special-names-for-sea-turtle-hatchlings Meet Aleta and Pico!... - NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Spoiler: Reintroduction News On November 7th, the aquarium announced they bred and released (0.0.512) gopher frogs into the wild. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher On February 6th, 2024, the aquarium announced they helped transport (1.1) Asian small-clawed otters named Shiny and Milli from Ocean Park Hong Kong in Hong Kong. The aquarium also announced that they will acquire (0.1) Milli while (1.0) Shiny will be transferred to another AZA facility. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher https://www.ncaquariums.com/newsroo...ceeds-in-international-transfer-of-two-otters
On February 21st, the aquarium announced they transferred a (0.1) Asian small-clawed otter named Selene to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in Missouri. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
