Fort Fisher aquarium prepares for ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ renovation

Jan 6, 2026 | News

By Bob Liepa
Wilmington StarNews
Jan. 5, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET

 

  • The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is planning a $75 million expansion and renovation.
  • The project will add 35,000 square feet, making it the largest aquarium in the state.
  • Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and is expected to last 30 months.

    The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is going to be bigger and better. And that’s no fish story.

    The aquarium in southern New Hanover County will soon close temporarily to undergo a major multiyear expansion and renovation project never seen in its half-century history.

    A total of $75 million has been earmarked for the project, which is mostly being funded by the state. The North Carolina Aquarium Society, a private nonprofit support arm of the aquarium, has contributed $17.5 million, according to Joanna Zazzali, the aquarium’s director.

    “This is huge,” Zazzali said. “You know, we’re really going into a different, a more detailed space for our visitors, detailed exhibits. And we’re not just exhibiting animals, you know, we’re telling the stories behind the animals. And we’re also very much dedicated to the responsible collection of the animals that will be in our care.”

Some aquarium facts

The Fort Fisher venue is one of four aquariums operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Fort Fisher aquarium, as well as its sister aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, will celebrate their 50th birthdays in September.

The aquarium, staffed by 51 full-time employees, cares for 2,793 animals representing 218 species, said Zazzali. Among them are an albino American alligator, sharks, otters and sea turtles.

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year the aquarium drew a record 502,000 visitors. “We’re not too far from that for this year, but a little bit under,” said Zazzali.

The Expansion/Renovation Plans

It is not known exactly when the work will start, but early 2026 is the timeline for what Zazzali said is hoped to be a 30-month project.

The plans are extensive. A conservation gallery will include a 400,000-gallon tank for use primarily as a sand tiger shark habitat along with other fish. (The aquarium’s current biggest tank, the Cape Fear Shoals habitat, is about 235,000 gallons).

A 10,000-gallon live coral habitat will be built and other exhibits added. A sandbar habitat will feature a variety of new species, including sandbar sharks. Accessibility will be improved, with one-way pathways for visitors at different choke points throughout the building. Renovations will be made to classrooms, restrooms, an administrative suite and the front entryway.

When all the work is completed, roughly 35,000 square feet will have been added to the existing 93,000 square feet, making it the largest aquarium in North Carolina, said Zazzali.

“It’s going to be bigger and better and more accessible, and it will be an experience that the public won’t forget, much more immersive, engaging,” she said.

The aquarium’s last expansion was over 20 years ago when a freshwater conservatory was added, said Zazzali.

A ‘pop-up aquarium’ at Independence Mall

Even after the aquarium temporarily closes for construction, it will have a community presence, with a “pop-up aquarium” called Discovery Cove set up at Independence Mall, slated by late February or March. Zazzali said there will be animals, presentations, educational programs and a gift shop at the site in addition to community outreach. “Just because we’re closed here doesn’t mean that our mission stops,” she said.