WILMINGTON — Independence Mall’s newest addition is Discovery Bay, a satellite location for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher featuring seahorses, frogs and carnivorous plants.
The site hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, July 8, six weeks after the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher closed their doors for two-and-a-half years of renovations.
As of May 28, five aquarium exhibits from Fort Fisher were expected to be transferred to the satellite location at the mall.
“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,” NCAFF Director Joanna Zazzali said. “We look forward to continuing immersive opportunities for visitors that will inspire them to be part of conservation of our natural world.”
Visitors at Discovery Bay will be able to view the exhibits and explore a gift shop run by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. The storefront is located across from the arcade in the J.C. Penny wing of the mall.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
