KURE BEACH — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is officially undergoing a long-term renovation project, but the public will be able to visit some of its habitats at Independence Mall during its closure.
On Thursday, May 28, the aquarium hosted a groundbreaking ceremony, signifying the start of the extensive renovation process. The aquarium is projected to be the largest aquarium in the state post renovations. The aquarium will be home to a brand new 400,000 gallon sand tiger shark habitat, a 40-foot curved window allowing visitors to have a closer view of the animals, an education center, 10,000 gallon Pacific coral habitat, 4,000-square-foot rooftop skydeck, and a 25,000 gallon shark and ray touch pool.
Aside from increased habitats renovations include new emergency generators, a newly designed parking lot, a small catering kitchen, a new family restroom, nursing room, sensory room, and enhanced accessibility at habitats.
Originally funded with a $65-million budget, the project has escalated to cost $81-million, according to Hap Fatzinger, the director of N.C. Aquariums Division. The escalation is due to the price of goods and services increasing over time, as well as bid packages coming in higher than originally estimated.
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Funding for the renovations comes from $49 million in state supported funds, $4.5 million from a state flex fund, private philanthropic endeavors of the NC Aquarium Division, and aquarium reserve funds. Any supplemental funding needed after the budget increase comes from private philanthropy.
The Endowment provided the North Carolina Aquarium Society a $7.5-million grant in March of 2025 as well. It will go toward the aquarium’s educational programs, provide hands-on learning opportunities and will help with the facility’s expansion, including indoor and outdoor areas. Endowment CEO Sophie Dagenais was one of seven speakers Thursday.
“Investing in the aquarium is an investment in the long-term strength and vitality of this community, and the fabric of this region,” Dagenais said. “It is a place where indeed our horizons open, curiosity takes root, and imagination begins to take hold, and we know that when that happens, we start to dream, and when we dream, endless possibilities begin.”
In addition to an enhanced aquarium experience for visitors, the improved site will also further the aquarium’s impact on New Hanover County as a whole. Brick Brown, board chair of the N.C. Aquarium Society, called the facility an “economic driver.” Endowment Board Chair Shannon Winslow agreed.
“It is a vital economic engine for our region, drawing half-a-million visitors annually. The aquarium supports local businesses, creates jobs and drives sustained economic vitality across New Hanover County,” she said.
The aquarium brings in an annual revenue of $5.5 million through admissions, events, and activities. Post renovations they expect to see an increase from the typical 500,000 annual visitors and in turn higher overall revenue.
Aside from tourism and economic impacts, Aquarium Director Joanna Zazzali hopes the renovations will elevate the community’s experience. Currently, the aquarium houses 216 species.
“We’re going to ensure that it’s a new appreciation for the coast, the wildlife, and habitats,” Zazzali said.
Construction is supposed to last two-and-a-half years. During the renovations five habitats will be transported to a satellite location at Independence Mall, Discovery Bay, in mid-June. Visitors will be able to see smaller animals, such as juvenile lionfish seahorses, as well as a new freshwater habitat for the Venus Flytrap, indigenous to southeastern North Carolina.
The rest of the aquarium’s animals will remain on site during renovations, receiving continuous care by aquarium staff with the exception of Maverick, the Bald Eagle.
“He actually just packed his suitcase and he’s going to be hanging out at the Pinal Shores Aquarium during this expansion and he has settled right into his new home over there,” Zazzali said.
During the closure, Zazzali added the aquarium will continue its outreach programs with schools, seniors centers and libraries.
The Fort Fisher aquarium opened its doors in 1976 as a marine science center and went through renovations in 2002 to expand its facility from 32,000 to 92,000 square feet. It hasn’t sustained any rehab in a decade, with some of the sewer and water services being more than 50 years old. By serving 10 million visitors since 2002, it has added wear and tear on the infrastructure.
[Ed. note: The piece was updated after press to include further details and reflect answers Port City Daily received from N.C. Aquarium of Fort Fisher representatives.]
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