WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT)- The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is preparing for a $75 million expansion and overhaul that will make it the largest aquarium in the state.
The project will close the aquarium for up to three years while construction takes place. During the closure, the aquarium will operate a temporary location at Independence Mall in Wilmington.
Major renovation after 20 years
The expansion marks the first renovation at Fort Fisher in over 20 years. The improvements will include additional classrooms and exhibits, according to aquarium officials.
The new design will feature a 400,000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat and a new shark and ray touch pool. The aquarium’s director, Joanna Zazzali, said the new shark habitat will create a space where visitors “feel like you’re just surrounded by water.”
Free mall location opens new opportunities
The temporary Independence Mall location will occupy close to 8,000 square feet for exhibits, storage and staff offices near the JCPenney entrance. The mall experience will be free for visitors…