Holiday magic with Santa and penguin at aquarium

KURE BEACH, NC (Press Release) — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher adds more holiday cheer and a big surprise to its annual “Santa by the Sea” event.

The festivities have expanded to two fun-filled days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17. As the name implies, Santa’s Aquarium visit creates a magical experience for young and old. The big guy in the red suit is most known for his reindeer traveling companions; this year, though he will be joined by a feathered friend from the Southern Hemisphere—a live penguin.

During “Santa by the Sea,” Aquarium guests can meet a visiting African penguin and talk with the animal’s care team. But that isn’t the only holiday surprise at “Santa by the Sea.” St. Nick will make three dives per day (10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.) with sharks, rays and a green sea turtle named Sheldon. In addition, good girls and boys can play games, take photos with Santa and experience a little falling “snow.” The Aquarium halls will be decked, as well.

“A penguin and Santa appearing together creates a whole new level of festive fun,” said Aquarium Director Peggy Sloan. “This also is an opportunity for guests to learn about the focused conservation work to save penguins in the wild by aquariums and zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”

African penguins are native to the southwestern coast of South Africa and Namibia and are an endangered species. They face declining populations from a number of threats including habitat loss reducing nesting areas. African penguins are also an animal of focus for AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, a program that protects threatened animals, builds on recovery efforts and creates public awareness and engagement.

“Santa by the Sea” runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec.16 and 17 and is free with Aquarium admission. For more information visit: www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.