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KURE BEACH, N.C. — Sea turtles, sharks, penguins — these are only a few of the animals threatened by extinction around the globe. Sadly, there are many more and some of those currently live in our state. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will focus attention on the importance of protecting animals and their habitats during its observance of Endangered Species Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Visitors can celebrate local and international efforts to save species and take part in animal -focused games and activities. Guests will learn more about conservation successes and how aquariums and zoos are actively involved in saving animals from extinction. In addition, the Animal Care Team will feed Maverick, a rescued bald eagle, and Luna, the albino alligator, in different public sessions. Activities are free with Aquarium admission.

Endangered Species Day:
10:30 a.m. Dive program
10:30 a.m. Gopher Frogs in Conservatory
10:30 a.m. Bald Eagle feeding
11:00 a.m. Feeding: Ocean Gallery
11:30 a.m. Creature Feature: Sharks
1 p.m. Gopher Frogs in Conservatory
1:30 p.m. Creature Feature: Sharks
1:30 p.m. Alligator Feeding
2:30 p.m. Dive program
3:00 p.m. Feeding: Shadows on the Sand
3:30 p.m. Animal Encounter—Amphibians
4:00 p.m. Film: Vanishing Animals

About the Aquarium:
The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located south of Kure Beach, a short drive south from Wilmington, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Aquarium is one of three state aquariums in North Carolina administered by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR).

General information: www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of only 230 accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a non-profit organization dedicated to the highest standards in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation. In addition, the Aquarium is an AZA partner in SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction. More on AZA: AZA.org

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources:
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

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CONTACT:

Robin C. Nalepa
Robin.Nalepa@ncaquariums.com