Albino Alligator Countdown

As you may have heard, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a new treasure in its collection. A female albino alligator, currently in Aquarium quarantine, awaits completion of her new home in the Cape Fear Conservatory. Aquarium staff has been working hard to create the exhibit that will house this rare jewel.

This week, the in-house design team has been working to complete the observation deck where visitors will be able to admire the alligator. On Wednesday, April 25, concrete foundations for the deck were poured, and on Thursday, April 26, the wooden posts for the framing of the deck are being inserted. The next step will be to set in the glass viewing panel in April.

The Albino Alligator will be on exhibit May 29th, so make plans to see our breath-taking new animal!

Photo: 3D artist rendering of new albino alligator exhibit created by Exhibits Technician Chad Goodson

Lights Out

For one hour Saturday (March 28) people around the world will turn off their lights to make a statement about their commitment to finding solutions to the problems of climate change. It's called Earth Hour, and from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. individuals, businesses, governments and organizations will go dark in support of the World Wildlife Fund's project to raise concerns about global warming. You can too. Just turn off your lights or make your participation public by signing up at the Earth Hour Web site.

Follow the Earth Hour project on Twitter: @earthhourus. Or search for other people's posts relating to Earth Hour by searching #earthhour at http://search.twitter.com.

There's even an Earth Hour app for the iPhone: "Its rigorous program of puzzles will prepare your mind and body for the important task ahead: Switching off that light."

From Star-News

Don't feed the dolphins!

Did you know feeding wild dolphins is illegal, and can be harmful to both dolphins and humans?

Dolphins are hunters in the wild. When fed by humans they may replace natural hunting behavior with begging for food. Dolphins are intelligent animals and, like most humans, might find accepting a free handout easier than working for a meal. This has occurred with wild dolphins in several areas with a history of providing free handouts from humans.

Aside from dangers to dolphins associated with behavioral changes, brought on by begging, there are nutritional concerns. Humans tend to offer whatever is available on their boat, including everything from hot dogs and potato chips to rotten fish left out in the sun. Wild dolphins cannot survive without a proper diet.

Feeding dolphins is dangerous for humans because it can cause dolphins to become aggressive. Dolphins have bitten, and in one case killed, when they were teased with food.

Illegal dolphin feeding is a routine problem in the Southeast, even though the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1993 prohibits feeding wild marine.

If you love dolphins, observe them from a distance and respect them!

To view a recent public service announcement about dolphin feeding go to http://www.dontfeedwilddolphins.org/

Why Run?

Do you ever wonder why so many people run? Your answer could lie deep within the endless benefits that are associated with running. Millions of people run and relate to the physical benefits, but it also holds an array of hidden psychological ones.

Running requires a great deal of energy. In less than an hour, you can burn off at least 500 calories, which will assist you in reaching your ideal body weight. People who run on a regular basis are pushing their muscles and bones, which help decrease bone and muscle loss as people age.

Running lifts your spirits and improves your attitude through a process popularly termed, “runner’s high” by releasing endorphins that cause a sense of euphoria or happiness. Taking a quick jog during your lunch break can help elevate your sour morning mood. By running to work or around the block to visit a friend, you are helping the environment as well as getting a good workout.

And…running can benefit the Aquarium! Register for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s 5k Race for the Planet Seahorse Sprint on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 8:00 am. The race starts and ends at the Aquarium. All the proceeds benefit the education programs at the Aquarium. Visit http://www.ncaquariums.com/category/fort-fisher for more information.

5K Seahorse Sprint

Sunday, April 19, 2009
8:00 am Race begins
7:00 - 7:45 am Registration and packet pick up
$20 before April 1; $25 after April 1; 10% OFF for NC Aquarium Members

Get ready to run, walk or shuffle! This race starts and ends at the aquarium, taking you through scenic Fort Fisher. Sign your kids up for a salt marsh and crabbing expedition! $16 each; $8 for NCA Members

More information: http://www.ncaquariums.com/category/fort-fisher

Scales and Tails - THIS WEEKEND!

It's two-day celebration of our amphibian and reptile friends. The 2^nd annual Scales and Tails event will be held on March 7-8 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Visitors will have an opportunity to see, touch, and learn about their cold-blooded neighbors.

Aquarium staff and invited experts will introduce the public to hundreds of live amphibians and reptiles, including alligators, snakes, iguanas, lizards, turtles, and MORE! There will be nine exhibitors and Aquarium staff personal collections of rare and interesting animals that aren’t normally on display, such as albino animals. The Tortoise Reserve, will be bringing large tortoises and rare turtles. Scales and Tails is free with Aquarium admission.