July 2016 Programs at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has some really exciting programs this month! Take a look at the following events and be sure to pre-register, as they fill up quick!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Aquarist Apprentice
Wednesdays, July 20 & 27 at 2 pm

Check out a dirty job you're sure to love. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live and how to care for them. Assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $28 for ages 13 and older, $26 for ages 10-12.
Pre-registration required.

Behind the Scenes Tour
Fridays, July 15, 22, 29 at 3:00 pm
Saturdays, July 16, 23, 30 at 1:30 pm
Sundays, July 17, 24, 31 at 1:30 pm
Monday, July 25 at 3 pm


Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems and access to exhibits is hidden behind the Aquarium walls. If you have ever cared for a home aquarium, you may have some idea of what it takes to operate a collection of salt and freshwater exhibits, with hundreds of animals. Accompany Aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation and access areas. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. For ages 8 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $18 for ages 13 and older, $16 for ages 8-12.
Pre-registration required.

Extended Behind the Scenes
Tuesdays, July 19, 26 at 2 pm
Thursdays, July 21, 28 at 2 pm

It's feeding time, and you're invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels and other fish swim below. Aquarists feed the animals during  the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. For ages 8 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $23 for ages 13 and older, $21 for ages 8-12.
Pre-registration required.

FOR CHILDREN/ PARENTS

Fins and Family Tour
Friday, July 22 at 2pm
Mondays, July 18, 25 at 2 pm

A short and sweet tour behind the scenes for the young and curious. This 30-minute exploration packs in gallons of hidden fun and learning specifically for families with children 3 to 7 years old. Staff shares fin-tastic animal facts and assists in creating a fishy craft to take home. Then follow the hidden passages to the top of the Aquarium's largest habitat for views of sharks, rays, a green sea turtle and much more. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. For ages 3 and older. Fee: $16 for ages 13 and older, $14 for ages 3-12. Aquarium admission is included.
Pre-registration required.

OUTDOORS & EXPLORATION

Canoeing The Salt Marsh
Saturday, July 23 at 9 am

A three-hour exploration of the Zeke's Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. For ages 8 and older. Agest 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults. Fee: $25 per participant. Aquarium admission is not included.
Pre-registration required.

Surf Fishing Workshop
Tuesdays, July 19, 26 at 8 am

This three-hour workshop includes one hour of classroom discussion, then surf fishing on the beach nearby. All equipment and bait provided. Program is rain or shine, with extra activities added in the event of bad weather (e.g., throwing a cast net). Ages 10 and older. Fee: $15 per participant.
Pre-registration required.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS

Animal Keepers
July 18-22, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, Ages 5-6
July 25-29-31, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, Ages 5-6

How does the Aquarium feed 2,000 animals? What does it take to keep a 235,000 gallon exhibit clean? Where do our Aquarium animals come from? Campers learn what it takes to be responsible for daily care and maintenance of aquarium animals. By helping prepare food, clean exhibits and create animal enrichment, campers understand the work required to provide proper animal care. Fee: $240 for ages 5-11.
Pre-registration required.

Visit the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher's website to learn more about these programs, or call  (910) 772-0500.