Aquarium to celebrate otter Ray on his golden birthday
FORT FISHER, N.C. (WWAY) — Ray the otter is celebrating a milestone birthday! On March 7, he turns seven—making it his “golden birthday.” Ray is an Asian small-clawed otter and one of the beloved ambassadors at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF). With a fondness for krill, smelt, and shrimp, Ray will enjoy a special birthday cake crafted just for him by the otter care team. The Aquarium invites the community to join the celebration on Saturday, March 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Otters on the Edge. The North Carolina Aquariums are part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
“Enrichment is an important part of the routine for our Asian small-clawed otters, so when special days come around, we go the extra mile to make it something that will pique their curiosity,” said Kristen Upton, NCAFF lead otter keeper.
“We enjoy seeing how he reacts to the cake and also the excitement it brings to our visitors.”
Ray continues to charm visitors as he swims and plays throughout the habitats. Meanwhile, the triplet otter pups—Nyx, Baloo, and Bodhi—born in December, are still behind the scenes with their parents, Milli and Binx. For now, it’s all about Ray, and he certainly keeps things lively.
Ray’s golden birthday celebration is included with aquarium admission. Visitors must purchase tickets online in advance for entry to the Aquarium at NCAFF.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three aquariums and a pier that together make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Aquarium’s mission is to inspire appreciation and conservation of aquatic environments. Exhibits include a 235,000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat, and two playful families of Asian small-clawed otters.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina — its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information visit here.
