Hap Fatzinger, Joanna Zazzali, Shelby Salestrom, Mayor Bill Saffo, Kim Hufham
(Photo: North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher)
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new underwater attraction is now welcoming visitors in the heart of Wilmington.
NC Aquariums Discovery Bay officially opened Wednesday at Independence Mall, giving shoppers and families a chance to explore a mini aquarium experience featuring seahorses, frogs, fish and carnivorous plants.
The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders, including Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, representatives from the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and NC Aquariums officials.
The new attraction provides a way for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher team to stay connected with the community while the aquarium undergoes a major renovation and expansion project.
“While we await the amazing transformation happening at NCA Fort Fisher, we’re thrilled to be up and running with a fun and relaxing space at Independence Mall,” said Joanna Zazzali, director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. “We look forward to continuing immersive opportunities for visitors that will inspire them to be part of conservation of our natural world.”
Discovery Bay is located in the JC Penney wing of Independence Mall across from the arcade. The experience is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Visitors can also shop at a gift shop operated by the NC Aquarium Society as part of the new experience.
Officials say Discovery Bay was created as a temporary community connection point during the closure of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with aquatic life and learn about conservation efforts while renovations continue.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, located south of Kure Beach, is one of three aquariums and a pier operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. While Fort Fisher is closed, visitors can also explore other aquarium locations, including the North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island, or visit Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.
Tags: Bill Saffo, Fort Fisher, Independence Mall, NC Aquarium, NC Aquariums Discovery Bay, Wilmington and Beaches Convention, Wilmington Mayor