When they are fully rehabilitated, the sea turtles are released back into the wild, some with satellite transmitters to track their movements. Visitors can see the turtle patients through viewing windows on the tanks and hear their recovery stories from the people who help them every day. Eight tanks along with an examination room, food prep areas, and storage greatly improved upon the original rehab center. The STAR Center is a 3,000 square-foot expansion, allowing staff and volunteers to maintain an excellent level of care for sick and ailing sea turtles. Many new visitors are surprised to learn that the Outer Banks has resident alligators, but these reptiles are usually found well off the beaches, along the warm mainland portions of Dare County.įollow the sea turtles to the newest attraction at the Aquarium, the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, which opened to the public in June 2014. Next, guests will encounter playful river otters, various turtles, and alligators in Wetlands on the Edge. Each component creates a new experience and new world, and visitors are encouraged to linger and take their time exploring every corner of the Aquarium.Īs visitors stroll past the entrance, they will encounter the Coastal Freshwaters gallery, which highlights some inhabitants of the marshlands and estuaries bordering Dare and Currituck Counties. As a guest travels through the galleries they will dive into a new feature of the coastal world, from the critters of the mainland to the fish that live hundreds of miles offshore. The Aquarium features many exhibit galleries, and each focuses on a certain aspect of the Outer Banks or local maritime culture. Thankfully, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island solves this problem by putting the local water-logged residents up front and center. The Outer Banks region is basically comprised of more water than land, and as such, there is a world of aquatic life surrounding the islands that most beach visitors will never get to see up close. The Aquarium is one of three in the state located along the coastline that were opened to promote appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments. Touring the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island Be sure and bring the kids along for this family-friendly excursion, and plan on dedicating a full morning or afternoon exploring the grounds. The 68,000-square-foot complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks aquatic life, from endangered sea turtles to common horseshoe crabs and stingrays, and everyone is invited to pop in and enjoy the fun.Īn educational attraction that certainly doesn't feel like a full day of learning, the Aquarium is a must stop for vacationers who want to learn about what lies just under the surface of the ocean and sound waters bordering the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has become a beloved attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and an annual outing for seasoned visitors who are young and young at heart.
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