When we think of some of our most unique customers, one dolphinately comes to mind. We’re fortunate enough to work with the Fort Fisher Aquarium, located at the scenic Kure Beach, about 15 miles south of Wilmington. Although we don’t like to play favorites, we have a special place in our hearts for this incredible aquarium- no squidding.
(OK, enough with the fish puns)
The beautiful exhibits, opportunities to interact with animals, and accessibility of friendly, knowledgeable staff truly distinguishes Fort Fisher from other aquariums and zoos. Ongoing educational programs and events create an abundance of opportunities to create lasting memories with friends and family, making this a Wilmington hot spot.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher Director, Peggy Sloan, says the “amazing staff” makes the Aquarium a great place to come to every day. She also says seeing people enjoying the Aquarium every day is one of her favorite parts of working there.
“Watching their surprise when they discover something new,” Peggy says about the visitors, ”Especially when that moment is shared with a partner or a child.”
Visitors at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher
As for her favorite exhibit, Peggy chose the Cape Fear Conservatory, where the fresh water exhibits reside among naturally plantings of native species.
“The waterfalls, lighting, and free-roaming wood duck and quail give the building a special feel,” Peggy explains.
Cape Fear Conservatory
Besides being a top-notch aquarium, Fort Fisher also makes it a priority to stay so connected to the community. Through community outreach, school programs, special events and participation in service organizations, the Aquarium works to maintain and build local partnerships.
“The 5K “Race for the Planet” coming up on April 21 is one of my favorite events,” says Peggy. “Everything about the race is planned for sustainability, from race bibs you can plant to recyclable timing chips. The course is beautiful and race proceeds go towards conservation education. In fact, Queensboro donated some of the shirts to last year’s race. ”
For this year, the aquarium will be using a gift certificate they were awarded from Queensboro for winning our food donation competition. Fort Fisher participated in Queensboro’s “Let’s Can Hunger” Food Drive, bringing in five large boxes of food. The canned goods directly benefited the Wilmington Branch of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The organization distributes food to those in need in the Wilmington area, serving Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.
Let’s Can Hunger with Fort Fisher
In the future, Peggy hopes to see the Aquarium serving more of the local and regional community year-round, and attracting more diverse audiences. Upgrades and expansions are always in the plans and the Aquarium is adapting to communicate using more advanced and integrated technology.
As for their relationship with Queensboro, the aquarium has a special connection. Peggy’s husband Bob Jones is The Director of QB Online Stores, our online storefronts. Besides her obvious preference for Queensboro over other apparel companies, Peggy also says the “great discounts” and “”organic tee shirts” as her favorite parts of working with Queensboro.
