March 2012 programs at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

For more information or to register for a program, call (910) 458-7468 or visit ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher. For all programs, children ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, except for camps. All programs require pre-registration and fees.

Behind the scenes
Aquarist apprentice
When: Saturday, March 10 and 24, at 2 p.m.
Check out a dirty job you’re sure to love. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live and how to care for them. Then, assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants.
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $25 for ages 13 and older and $23 for ages 10 to 12. Aquarium admission is included. Pre-registration required.

Behind-the-scenes tour
When: Thursday, March 1 and 15, at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday, March 18, at 1 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. If you have ever cared for a home aquarium, you may have some idea of what it takes to operate a collection of salt and freshwater exhibits with hundreds of animals. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation and access areas. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee is $15 for ages 13 and older and $13 for ages 8 to 12. Aquarium admission is included. Pre-registration required.

Extended behind-the-scenes tour
When: Friday, March 9 and 23, at 2 p.m.
It’s feeding time, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels and other fish swim below! Aquarists feed the animals during the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Children between ages 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee is $20 for ages 13 and older and $18 for ages 8 to 12. Aquarium admission is included. Pre-registration required.

Green behind-the-scenes tour
When: Saturday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. at 2 p.m.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the aquarium with our inaugural Green Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Come view the inner workings of various departments and witness firsthand our sustainability action plan. Check out where the animals are held and how we assist endangered species. See how our operations department uses eco-friendly products and maintains low-energy and water consumption and so much more! Accompany aquarium staff on this guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation and access areas. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Children between ages 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee is $15 for ages 13 and older and $13 for ages 8 to 12. Aquarium admission is included. Pre-registration required.

For children and parents
Children's discovery time
When: Thursday, March 1, at 10 a.m.—Sharks
Thursday, March 15, at 10 a.m.—Amphibians
Creatures come alive in this story-telling and critter-creating program. For ages 3 to 5. Fee is $11 per child. Aquarium admission is included.
Parents pay admission only. Pre-registration required.

Special programs
Alligator egg hunt
When: Saturday, March 31, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Friday, April 6, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Come join the fun on our Alligator Egg Hunt. Kids get to see a live baby alligator and learn about these fascinating animals. They create their own special alligator egg basket and then search for candy filled “alligator eggs.” Recommended for kids ages 3 to 10, however all ages are welcome. Limited space is available. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $17 per child and includes admission to the Aquarium. Cost is $11 for NC Aquarium Members. Adults will need to pay admission to Aquarium.
Preregistration is required by Wednesday, March 28, for the Saturday, March 31, programs. Preregistration is required by Wednesday, April 4, for the Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, programs.

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach on U.S. 421. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for ages 13 to 61, $7 for seniors and $6 for ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and younger, registered groups of N.C. school children and N.C. Aquarium Society members receive free admission. For more information, visit the website.