Sneak peek: North Carolina Aquarium opens Discovery Bay pop-up at Independence Mall
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is expanding its reach with a new temporary location at Independence Mall while its main facility undergoes a major multi-year renovation.
The aquarium will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Discovery Bay pop-up location on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Located across from the arcade in the JCPenney wing of the mall, Discovery Bay gives visitors a chance to experience marine life and educational programming while renovations continue at the Fort Fisher aquarium.
The pop-up features habitats with animals including lionfish and seahorses, as well as carnivorous plants. Visitors can also explore a gift shop, participate in animal encounters and take part in educational experiences.
Karissa Bearer, the aquarium’s education curator, said the mall location makes the aquarium more accessible to people who may have difficulty traveling to Fort Fisher.
“This location allows much freer access to people who aren’t traditionally able to make it to all the way down to the normal Fort Fisher site,” Bearer said. “We’re excited that there are bus routes here and that other groups that we don’t always reach can get here freely.”
Discovery Bay is free and open to the public throughout the renovation of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
