North Carolina Aquarium’s New Discovery Bay | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

North Carolina’s beloved Fort Fisher Aquarium has a new mini-me: Discovery Bay, now open inside Independence Mall, offering seahorses, frogs, and carnivorous plants in a chill, bite-sized version of the main attraction. A July ribbon-cutting marked its debut, keeping aquarium fans engaged while the main site gets a major renovation. Director Joanna Zazzali says it’s designed to spark nature appreciation and features five relocated exhibits. Open daily 10 AM–8 PM (noon–6 PM Sundays), it’s also home to a gift shop near the arcade — perfect for a quick, nature-filled escape. Listen in…