Ahead of the octopus

Our last post featured our top 10 reasons to visit the Aquarium this week. Unfortunately, we were premature with number 8, "catch a glimpse of our new octopus."

A change to the physical exhibit forced a delay in the octopus's debut. All is well with the animal and we will let you know as soon as the octopus takes residence in the exhibit.

Of course, we can give many more reasons to visit the Aquarium this week like the daily feedings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and live animal encounters with Aquarium educators. You can also see a baby loggerhead turtle at the "Let's Talk Turtle" exhibit, discover how hurricanes form and move, watch seahorse swim and so much more.

Top 10 reasons to visit the Aquarium this week

The holiday season is winding down but we don’t want you to be left in the cold with nothing to do. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher this week:

1. Enjoy your Aquarium without huge summer crowds.



2. Show off a local hot spot to your holiday visitors.



3. Burn off the eggnog and cookies with a stroll around the Aquarium grounds and gardens.



4. See how Luna, our rare albino alligator, keeps warm during the holidays.



5. Compare baby sharks in Shadows on the Sand with the mature sharks in Cape Fear Shoals.



6. Enjoy an exotic getaway without leaving Wilmington in our Exotic Aquatics exhibit, which includes lionfish, poison dart frogs and huge spiny lobsters.



7. Take a Behind the Scenes or Extended Behind the Scenes tour and explore more of the Aquarium and watch sharks and rays feed.



8. Catch a glimpse of our new octopus. (A change in the physical exhibit forced a delay in the octopus's debut. We will keep you posted.)



9. Take your time at the touch tank meeting horseshoe crabs, stingrays, sea stars and anemones.



10. Discover just how large North Carolina's fiercest predator, pre-historic Megalodon, really was.

Best Kept Secret

Today, cool temperatures and rain greeted the McMackin family on their first day of vacation in Holden Beach. Instead of getting down, they decided to follow a friend's advice and head up to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

"This is our first time here," said Jim McMackin.

Jim, his wife Karen and their sons, Jack and Josh, hail from Johnson City, Tenn.

The Aqaurium offered them an exciting opportunity to see animals they've never seen.

"The eel is fascinating," said Karen.

"Look, he's right there," said Jack, pointing excitedly to a chartreuse Moray keeping watch from under a rocky outcropping in the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit.

The Coquina Outcrop Touch Pool with its horseshoe crabs, sea urchins and sea stars also fascinated the McMackins.

From the fresh water habitats of the Cape Fear Conservatory to the colorful reefs teeming with hundreds of fish in the Marine Building, the McMackins discovered a visit to the Aquarium made their day.

"This is like a best kept secret," said Jim.

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

Last day for our last group of Ocean Explorers for this summer. What was today's favorite activity? What did they learn about an "extreme animal"?

Jessie: "Taking the tour was my favorite. I saw some new stuff." "The king snake. It has no venom, but it will eat other snakes."

Jackson: "My favorite - the kingsnake. I got to pet him. The kingsnake eats rattlesnakes."

Sarah: "My favorite activity was touching the snake." "We learned about snakes."

Katy G: "I liked touching the snake. His skin was so smooth." "My favorite extreme animal was the girafffe. It has a 22-lb heart."

Anica: "I finally overcame my fear of snakes by touching a kingsnake." "The whale is an extreme animal ... its awesome song."

Kolten: "My favorite was going to the Megalodon exhibit, because their teeth are huge." "A kingsnake - it eats rattlesnakes."

Kelly B. "I liked touching a kingsnake, because who gets to touch a snake every day?" "Today I learned about the great white shark. They are the largest top-predator shark."

Jessie R. "My favorite activity was exploring the Aquarium, because there are so many fascinating creatures." "Today I learned about the kingsnake and its appetite for venomous snakes."

Peyton: "My favorite activity was touching the snake." "Kingsnakes can eat venomous snakes and can process the venom."

Katie F: "I liked touching/petting Hunter Helpington the 9th (the kingsnake) because I liked the name!" "My favorite extreme animal is the Megalodon, because I like its big jaws."

Kaylee P: "I enjoyed touching the kingsnake. The kingsnake easts venomous snakes."

Chris: "I liked learning about a kingsnake, and it was really cool. I learned that a kingsnake eats other snakes."

Chase: "I enjoyed meeting Hunter Helpington the snake." "A hyena's bite is stronger than a lion's bite."

Davis: "Touching a snake was awesome!"

L.J. "My favorite was the Aquarium tour. We saw the Megalodon exhibit." "A hyena -- it looks like a dog but it is not."

Tommy: "I liked going behind the scenes and seeing the fish." "A peregrine falcon can fly 200 mph."

Ocean Exporers Blog 4

Another day of fun in the sun, plus behind-the-scenes learning opportunities. Here are log entries from our 10- to 12-year-old Aquarium campers.

Peyton: "My favorite activity was behind-the-scenes, because I saw a sandbar shark." "Extreme animal - the fidder crab. It can dig into the ground to hide from predators."

Sarah R: "My favorite was canoeing, because we went to Zeke's Island." "We learned about sea turtles on the coast."

Anica: "My favorite was seeing the sea turtle." "The rock fish -- it blends with the rocks."

Jackson: "The canoe trip was my favorite, because we saw a stingray." "My favorite extreme animal was plankton, because some types turn into other animals."

Jessie H: "Going behind the scenes -- I got to see a baby sea turtle." "The moon jellyfish -- we learned about its life cycle."

Jessie R: "My favorite was going behind the scenes to see animals, because I got to see sharks sticking their fins out of the water for the first time." "Today I learned about coral, and the different abilties it has to catch plankton."

Tommy: "Behind the scenes, because we got to see crabs and turtles." "Sharks have a black top and a black bottom, for camouflage."

Katie F: "I learned a lot behind the scenes." "Plankton can change into different animals."

Katy G: "My favorite activity today was canoeing. It was my first time, and it was fun." "I learned about plankton. Some plankton can change."

Kolten: "My favorite thing today was going to Zeke's Island. I saw a stingray." "Coral can swim in the underwater."

Kelly B: "My favorite activity was canoeing, because I have only been once before." "I learned about plankton. Plankton can be an animal or a plant."

Chase: "Canoeing was fun. Seeing a stingray was cool." "An octopus can shrink to the size of its beak."

Chris: "I liked the backstage tour, because it was educational." "I learned that some jellyfish have points that release from the tentacles when it touches something."

Kaylee: "I enjoyed canoeing and going to Zeke's Island." "Jellyfish -- a type of plankton, no brains, stingers!"

L.J.: "Canoeing; we saw a live manta ray." "Coral needs lots of sunlight."

ONLY ONE MORE CAMP DAY LEFT THIS SUMMER!

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Here are log-book entries for Wednesday, from our intrepid Ocean Explorers. They describe their favorite activity of the day, and tell what they learned about an "extreme animal."

Jackson: “My favorite was the beach, because I got to boogie board the whole time.” "Some starfish species can regenerate themselves."

Sarah: "Going behind the scenes, because it was fun.” “We learned about the sea turtles and how they migrate.”

Chris: “I liked it when we learned about sea urchins because I learned a lot about them. I learned that sea urchins are vegetarians.”

Peyton: "Making shirts, because I had a lot of fun.” “Emperor Penguins – they can grow to be 5 feet tall.”

Jessie R: “My favorite activity today was painting green T-shirts because it made me excited to wear a shirt I made.” “Today I learned about many creatures of the Galapagos Islands. The iguanas have adapted to marine life and do not live in the water.”

Jessie H: “I had fun making the T-shirts!” “The sea urchins curl using their spikes.”

Katie F: “My favorite activity today was the T-shirt making because it was a craft.” “I learned about deep sea animals and that they can go under tons of pressure!”

Kelly B: “I liked going to the beach because it started raining.” “We saw a star fish. It sticks its stomach out of its mouth and dissolves its prey.”

Kaylee: “I learned that the Arctic tern travels 50,000 miles.”

Chase: “The beach because it was so fun boogie boarding.” “Starfish because if you cut them in half they will grow back.”

Katy G: “My favorite activity today was getting rained on at the beach. I liked it because the rain water felt so good.” “I learned about the box jellyfish. The Australian ones are venomous.”

Tommy: “Getting to see and touch starfish and sea urchins.” “Galapagos iguanas that can dive and eat the algae that grows on rocks.”

Anica: “Making the box jelly." “The box jelly strings are poisonous.”

MORE TOMORROW!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Today our campers made their own paper with recycled fiber, and used it to make covers for their daily logbooks. They also explored the Aquarium's behind-the-scenes life-support and holding areas, saw a sea-turtle film, and made sea-creature masks. Oh, and they went to the beach for a swim!

Jessie: "Today my favorite activity was making sea-creature masks, because I enjoyed seeing my paper plate slowly evolve into a cuttlefish." "I learned about the loggerhead turtle and its 30-year-long from the coast of America to nearly Africa!"

Chase: "My favorite was behind the scenes, because it was very interesting." "The extreme animal I learned about was the sea turtle. It travels so far!"

Sarah: "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes, because it was fun." "We learned about sea turtles and how they migrate."

Kelly: "I liked going behind the scenes and seeing the frog fish, because I haven't seen it before." "I learned about a humpback whales, and how they talk to each other by 'singing.'"

Jessie: "Going behind the scenes -- it wuz fun!" "I learned about the loggerhead turtle and its life cycle."

Peyton: "My favorite activity was behind the scenes, because I saw some cool underwater animals." "The loggerhead can act like a leaf at the top of the water."

Davis: "I liked going behind the scenes." "The angler fish has a little light on its head. The little light attracts prey."

L.J. "My favorite was behind the scenes, because we learned about the Aquarium!" "I learned about the loggerhead turtle. It goes back to where it was born."

Katy: "My favorite part of today was going to the beach. I rode tons of waves and had fun with my friends." "My favorite extreme animal was the sea turtle. I learned the route they swim."

Kolten: "I liked playing at the beach, cause I rode my boogie board." "The extreme animal I learned about was the loggerhead sea turtle. They swim a long distance."

Kaylee: "I liked the movie about the instincts of a turtle, because every animal has instincts." "The angle-fish lives in pitch blackness at the lowest depths of the sea and it has a little light to attract prey."

Jackson: "I liked the beach because I boogie-boarded the big kahuha!" "I liked the angler fish, because it has a lure to lure in prey."

Chris: "Today I liked going to the beach, because you get to play with everyone." "I learned that a loggerhead turtle is born on land."

Katie F. "My favorite activity today was going to the beach, because I liked going under the waves." "I learned about sea turtles, and learned that turtles can swim around the world."

Anica: "We made angler fish masks today. It was fun." "The extreme animal and its adaptation: the angler fish has a light that attracts prey."

Tommy: "We went to the beach and caught some waves." "Humpback whales travel from the Antarctic to the Caribbean."

MORE TOMORROW!

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

Today we welcomed the last of our Ocean Explorers for the summer. They started out their week visiting the tide pools of the only rocky outcrop on the North Carolina Coast -- it's very near the Aquarium! They also met Wilson the Wood Duck, they studied about "extreme animals" of the Arctic, and then they made shadow-box dioramas to illustrate what they learned.

Kolten: "I enjoyed the craft, because we got to make collages of extreme polar animals." "I learned about the Arctic Tern, which is a bird that migrates the farthest of any animal."

Katie F.: "My favorite activity was making the shadow box, because the creativity part was really fun." "I think Wilson the Wood Duck was cool because his feathers were waterproof."

Katy G.: "My favorite was going to the rocky outcrop. I liked it because I found some cool shells." "I learned the Wood Ducks camouflage to their surroundings."

Peyton: "Wilson the Wood Duck had cool adaptations." "The polar bear has adaptations; his skin is really black so it absorbs heat."

Sarah: "My favorite was Wilson, because he was interesting." "We learned about birds and how they are related to reptiles."

Chase: "Seeing Wilson the duck was my favorite activity, because he is so funny, and very interesting." "The great white shark is extreme because it can live for days in brackish water."

Jessie: "My favorite was meeting the duck Wilson, because I didn't know that much about ducks. A duck lives up to 20 years."

Kaylee: "My favorite thing today was going to the coquina rocky outcrop. I found a crab exoskeleton." "I learned about the Arctic tern. It travels 50,000 miles."

L.J. : "I liked finding all the sharks' teeth. I liked it because you got to impress others with what you found." "I learned that the wood duck molts to get rid of germs."

Anica: "I enjoyed finding cool seashells and sharks' teeth, because I haven't been able to do so (before)." "I learned about the leopard seal. It lives in Antarctica."

Chris: "My favorite thing today was to meet Wilson, because he pooped everywhere and flew everywhere." "I learned that the Arctic Tern is the farthest traveling animal ever."

Kelly: "I liked seeing Wilson the Wood Duck because he went crazy; he was flying and jumping out of the cage." "I learned about a polar bear. They have black skin and then two layers of clear fur. The look white from the reflection of the sun."

Davis: "My favorite was the rocky outccrop, or you can call it the coquina." "I learned that the penguins swim to find food instead of flying."

Tommy: "My favorite was when we went to a rocky outcrop and found a starfish and a hermit crab." "I learned that giraffes are extreme animals. They have to have long tongues so they can reach leaves."

Jackson: "My favorite was when we met Wilson the Wood Duck. I liked it because he attacked my friend." "I learned about the penguin. It has feathers that can withstand hundreds of degrees below zero."

Jessie: "My favorite today was going to the coquina, a group of mossy rocks with an abundance of wildlife, becuase I enjoyed finding and watching the animals." "I learned that the Wood Duck has many adaptations, such as molting feathers, webbed feet, and its bill, to survive in bodies of water."

WHAT WILL THEY EXPLORE TOMORROW? VISIT AGAIN AND FIND OUT!

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Our Ocean Explorers log their last day at camp. They describe today's favorite activity, and what they learned about an "extreme animal," and its adaptations.

Mason: "I liked touching the snake, because it felt really scaly." "A black rat snake can climb really well."

Emily: "Today my favorite activity was taking the tour and learning about all the animals." "Today I learned about an anteater. The anteater is a mammal."

Simon: "The dive show was really cool!" "A chameleon camouflages by changing colors."

Hannah: "My favorite activity was touring the aquarium, because it was really cool." "I learned that the bush baby is the smallest primate."

Michael: "I liked meeting the rat snake, because I got to touch it." "I learned that the black mamba is the fastest snake, and it is venomous."

Erin: "My favorite activity was touching the rat snake. It was the cutest snake I have ever seen (besides my corn snake)." "The bush baby -- the bush baby can jump 20 feet!"

Anna: "My favorite activity was going to the top of the fish tank." "My favorite extreme animal was the black rat snake. They shed their skin."

Kerrigan: "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes, because we got to see baby animals." "A black rat snake squeezes its prey before eating it."

Laura K: "I liked seeing the snake. The snake is very beautiful." "I learned that the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world."

Savannah: "I liked touring the Aquarium, because we got to see the Megalodon exhibit." "Snakes -- they use their forked tongue to sense direction."

Alyssa: "I loved touring the Aquarium, because the Megalodon exhibit was very good." "I like the African lungfish because it can go four years living in mud even though it has gills."

Laura: "My favorite activity today was touring the Aquarium. I liked doing that because I got to see all the different animals and exhibits." "The cheetah is my favorite extreme animal -- it can run extremely fast."

Sophia: "My favorite was meeting the rat snake, because we got to pet it." "The extreme animal I learned about was the Nile crocodile. It is the largest crocodile in Africa."

William: "Going behind the scenes, seeing animals I never knew about." "The giraffe's adaptation is its long neck and legs, so they can reach tall things."

Emily: "I liked seeing the snake, because we got to touch it." "I learned about the ostrich, and that it has 3 eyelids."

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! (Tune in again Monday, when another group of Ocean Explorers comes to the Aquarium!)

Ocean Exporers Blog 4

Whew! What a day! Jellyfish-touching, behind-the-scenes touring, a bit of beach-business (check out those shark teeth), and more) ....

Michael: "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes, because we got to see all the animals." "I learned that a jellyfish's adaptation is its sting."

Emily Grace H.: "Today I learned about jellyfish, and a moon jelly's sting is so small that you can't even feel it."

Alyssa: "I loved the beach and going behind the scenes. I loved finding animals at the beach and learning about the extreme animals in the aquarium." "I enjoyed learning about jellyfish. They sting to paralyze their prey."

Kerrigan: "My favorite activity was going to the beach, because the water was nice and cool." "An extreme animal that I learned about today was a jellyfish. A jellyfish is a type of plankton. That's why it just floats around."

Simon: "My favorite was going to the beach." "The alligator lives in a gator hole."

Emily Grace K.: "I liked going to the beach because I took a nap on the beach." "I learned about moon jellies. They sting but you can't feel it."

Laura: "I liked going behind the scenes and seeing the sharks." "About the turtle: I learned that if the water is too cold they can get cold-stunned."

Mason: "I liked behind the scenes, because we got to see sharks." "The extreme animal I saw today was the jellyfish. Its adaptation is its tentacles."

Sophia: "I liked the beach, because there were good waves." "The extreme animal I learned about was the moon jellyfish. We learned the bell is the top of a jellyfish."

Laura Ellen: " My favorite activity was going to the beach and playing in the water and the sand." "I learned that sharks have a lot of big and sharp teeth to kill other fish or animals for food."

Savannah: "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes, because I got to see a lot of amazing animals." "Jellyfish use their stinging tentacles to stun prey and their feeding tentacles moving it to their mlouths."

Hannah: "I liked going to the beach and finding seashells and shark teeth." "We learned about plankton. Plankton has many different species, and they can turn into different animals."

Erin: "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes and seeing the green sea turtle. The aquarium is holding it 'cause it was cold-stunned. :) " "The extreme animal we learned about was the moon jelly -- we learned how they sting their prey and stuff."

William: "I liked going behind the scenes and seeing fish that other people can't see." "The jellyfish's adaptation is stinging animals and people to protect itself."

Anna: "My favorite activity was LUNCH, because I ate three hot dogs." "Today we learned about jellyfish with stingers that are really small."

ONE MORE DAY TO GO! TUNE IN TOMORROW!

Ocean Explorers Blog 3

Today our Ocean Explorers made T-shirts, went canoeing, went for a swim, explored the touch-pool, and continued learning about "extreme animals." Some memories of the day:

Savannah: "My favorite was making the shirts, because it was fun painting." "I learned that a hermit crab uses its shell to hide from predators."

Michael: "I liked canoeing, because it was fun paddling." "A crab's adaptations are its claws and its eyes."

Anna: "My favorite activity was swimming in the lazy river today." "My favorite extreme animal that we learned about was the star fish. They have suction things to help them walk."

Mason: "My favorite was making the shirts, because it was really fun to paint." "I learned about the hermit crab. It hides in its shell."

Erin: "When we went canoeing (was my favorite)." "The swimming hole was perfect for swimming." "I learned about the decorative crab. It uses other shells and urchins to "decorate" its shell, or for camouflage."

Emily: "Going canoeing was fun. It was really fun going in the lazy river." "Extreme animal: the otter. It lives in the kelp forest."

Kerrigan: "My favorite was making our camp T-shirts, because I made seafoam green." "The emperor penguin stays above ground during the winter. They huddle together to keep warm."

Laura: "Canoeing was my favorite today. It was so much fun going to Zeke's Island." "I learned about crabs. Their eyes are on the top of their heads."

William: "Making the shirts. It was fun painting the fish and writing your name on it." "I earned about sea urchins. Their adaptations are its spikes. They used them to protect themselves with the spikes' venom."

Alyssa: "I loved canoeing and making shirts. Canoeing ws fun because we got to play at Zeke's Island. And making shirts is like a camp tradition that I have done for 5 years." "I liked learning about sea stars. They can grow their arms back if they lose them."

Sophia: "I liked going to the beach, because we got to work together." "Humpbacks eat thousands of krills."

Emily: "My favorite activity was painting a fish and putting a print of it on a green T-shirt." "An extreme animals that I learned about today was a crab. Its eyes are on stilts on top of their heads."

Hannah: "I liked canoeing, because I never canoed in the front of a canoe before." "I learned about a sea anemone, and they are related to jellyfish."

Simon: "Making the shirts was fun!" "Penguins can't fly!"

Laura Ellen: "My favorite activity today was going canoeing." "A sea otter has fins so it can swim in the water."

More coming tomorrow!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Yesterday our campers went to the beach, learned more about "extreme animals," and went on a behind-the-scenes tour. After lunch, they had fun making masks of aquatic creatures they've been learning about. Here are some of their notes:

Emily Grace: "Today we went behind the scenes and saw a flounder. I named it FishyFishy Flounder. It is a cool name." "The deep sea animal that we learned about was a deadly jellyfish, and if it stings you you will die."

Sophia: "I liked going to the beach, because we got to surf big waves." "One extreme animal is a sea snake. It can stay under water for 8 hours."

Emily King: "I liked the beach because the waves were just right." "An angler fish is a deep-sea fish and he has something on his or her head."

Laura: "I had a lot of fun at the beach." "The shark has scales that are rough, and if you magnify it it looks like teeth."

Kerrigan: "We got to swim and play in the sand." "An octopus can change its texture and color. An octopus squirts ink at you to escape."

Laura Ellen: "My favorite was going to the beach and playing in the water." "Giant squid can squirt out ink so they can get away from their predators."

Mason: "I found two shark teeth at the beach." "The angler fish is cool because it has a light coming out of its head."

Alyssa: "The waves at the beach were epic." "I learned the angler fish has a light so it can see in the deep sea."

Simon: "My favorite was going behind the scenes." "The whale shark is the largest shark."

Erin: "The water at the beach was perfect. Even though it was high tide, the waves were easy to dive or jump over." "The angler fish is a deep-sea fish with a light-looking thingy on top of its face."

Anna: "My favorite was playing on the beach." "The extreme animal I learned about was the octopus. They have 8 arms and a big head."

Hanna: "I liked going to the beach because I like swimming." "Extreme animals I learned about: Box jellies and angler fish -- they use bioluminsescense."

Michael: "The beach was really fun." "The octopus is one extreme animal I learned about. Its adaptations are 8 arms, and it has no bones."

Savanna: "My favorite activity was behind the scenes, because it was fun to learn about the animals." "The box jellyfish uses bioluminescense."

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

A new gang of Ocean Explorers started today, with a new camp theme, Extreme Animals! Here are today's blog entries:

Sophia: "I liked Wilson the Wood Duck because it was fun to learn bird facts." "I learned about a shark: a shark is a FISH."

Simon: "We got to see Wilson. He jumped on people. Wood ducks have green feathers on their heads, and the males are even more colorful."

Laura K.: "My favorite activity was taking a walk, because I saw a buck and a Great Blue Heron." "An extreme animal is a polar bear. They have thick layers of hair and their bodies are black."

Hannah: "I liked seeing Wilson the Wood Duck. He was very interesting. I learned stuff I' ve never known before. I learned about how males look different than females." "The extreme animal I learned about was the narwhal. It is interesting to know they use a huge tooth to fight."

Michael: "My favorite was meeting the duck, because he was jumping all over the place." "Polar bear was the extreme animal I learned about today; its adaptations are its fur and its teeth."

Alyssa Cribb: "My favorite activity was making paper, because it is something I've never done before." "I liked learning about the narwhal; it has a tooth for fighting."

Erin: "My favorite activity was watching Wilson the Wood Duck. He pooped twice. As we were putting him away he flew away and jumped on me and Alyssa .... He is adapted to live in the swampy woods."

Anna: "My favorite activity was making the boat." "I learned about penguins. They swim and eat fish and slide on their bellies."

William: "Wilson the Wood Duck was so cute and colorful." "The narwhal's adaptation is its tooth. It grows up to a foot and it uses it to fight."

Mason: "Wilson was my favorite ... so fun to watch him." "A great white shark's adaptations are its flippers, and the flippers help him swim."

Emily: "When Wilson came he would not go into his cage and he walked on the back of my legs." "A polar bear is an extreme animal that is warm blooded."

Savannah: "Making the shadow box was fun and it was very creative." "The narwhal uses its horn to fight."

Laura: "My favorite activities today were meeting Wilson, and making paper. I also liked making my diarama." "We learned about whales and how they have blubber to move around easily."

Emily Grace: "My favorite activity today was arts and crafts, because I love to use creativity." "Today we learned about Penguins ...."

Kerrigan: "My favorite activity was meeting Wilson, because he flew onto Alyssa's leg." "A polar bear has two layers of fur and his skin is black."

More tomorrow!

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

Today they finished up the week with a presentation for moms and dads in the auditorium. Before lunch, a lady from the wildlife rescue center introduced them to a recovering pelican and explained how to help birds in trouble. Here are some of their memories...

Sydney: "It was really a fun week. I enjoyed everything, because I got to have fun with my friends. We got to touch velvet pelicans because you don't usually get to pet one. We learned we should not litter fishing lines because it can hurt birds. Also, if a nest is lying on the ground with a bird without feathers, put it in a clean container with a towel on the bottom."

Hampton: "I liked the pelican because it was so cool." "If you find a bird without feathers on the ground put it in a Cool Whip container because it is small and comforting."

Ryan: "I liked lunch, because I was hungry." "I learned it is not good to keep wildlife."

Noah: "I liked meeting birds. We touched the pelican." "What did I learn? Don't look birds in the eye, or they will be scared."

Elena: "I liked the dive show." "When saving birds, pick them up with a towel."

Alex: "My favorite thing was to see a pelican." "If you find an injured bird, bring it to Ellen at the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Center."

Kelly: "I liked touching the bird because it was softer than a blanket and I have never done that before." "I learned that you can pick up a baby bird if it is on the ground and it has no feathers or its eyes are closed."

Andrew: "I liked everything." "I learned that monofilament lines take 600 years to break down, and there are a lot of cigs that we need to pick up."



Another group of Ocean Explorers starts blogging next week!

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Today they learned about oil spills, went crabbing, and more!

Alex: "I learned that turtles have brains the size of thumbs and they think plastic bags are food."

Sydney: "One of my favorite activities was going crabbing, because you never really get to crab with your friends and it was fun to feel the tug on the rope." "We learned how to clean up oil spills. They hurt animals because they may eat it or get covered. Also it wa a fun project because we got to experiment and see how we could take it [the oil] away."

Ryan: "I liked seeing the turtle, because it was cool." "I learned not to litter in the sea."

Elana: "I liked going behind the scenes." "We learned about oil spills and littering and how to clean them up."

Andew: "My favorite was crabbing, because I caught a crab." "I learned that an oil spill can take a very long time to clean up."

Kelly: "I caught TWO crabs!" "I learned that to help sea turtles the aquarium moves the nest if it is too close to the ocean.

Hampton: "My favorite was the mini oil spill, because we tried to clean up oil." "I learned, Don't cause oil spills!"

Noah: "I liked cleaning up the oil spill." "I learned that when cleaning up an oil spill you can try anything to clean up the oil but it does not always work. You can donate your hair when there is a spill, but it does not always. work."

Check back tomorrow -- their last day of camp!

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Wednesday: Another day of learning and fun for our summertime day-campers. Today's blog entries:

Kelly: "I liked going behind the scenes and seeing the sharks and the octopus, because I haven't seen the octopus in all the 3 years that I have been here." "I learned about the sea turtles. To help save them we can: stop littering, try to watch where you are driving your boat, and not messing with them."

Noah: "Behind the scenes, there were live sharks!"

Alex: "I liked going to the saltwater quarantine." "I learned we can save turtles by not messing with them."

Sydney: "I liked behind the scenes, because we got to learn about animals such as seahorses, yellow stingrays, fish, jellyfish and sharks." "We can prevent losses of sea turtles. We can help them by not littering, picking up trash, and helping the people who work at the sea turtle hospital."

Hampton: "I liked going to the beach, because we had fun." "We should help protect beaches because turtles bury their eggs there."

Elena: "I liked watching a sea turtle movie." "I learned all about turtles and how we can save them."

Andrew: "I liked going to the beach, because we had fun." "I learned sharks have 30,000 teeth. Octopuses, 3 brains and 7 hearts."

Ryan: "My favorite was the turtles." "I learned to not to lietter in the sea."

More coming tomorrow!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Second day for our 10- to 12-yr-old Ocean Explorer day-campers. We asked them to tell what they liked best, and what they learned about helping and protecting wildlife.

Alex: "I liked going to the beach, because we found fossils, and I learned, To save a turtle, pick up trash."

Elena: "My favorite activity was making shirts." "I learned all about snakes."

Andrew: "I liked the movies." "I learned that litter can harm wildlife and that it's important to help."

Hampton: "I liked going behind the scenes, because we got to see all kinds of animals." "I learned Don't cut down trees because animals live there."

Ryan: "My favorite was going to the beach." "We learned not to wreck their habitat."

Kelly: "My favorite was seeing the baby alligators because I have NEVER seen one that small!" "I learned that if you find or see an albino anything call a zoo or aquarium so they can take care of it."

Noah: "My favorite was watching videos, because they were relaxing." "Never litter, and if you see an albino send it to an aquarium or a zoo."

Sydney: "Going to the beach was my favorite because we got to play and jump in the waves with our friends." " Don't cut down animals habitats because the animals will have to leave for some unknown place."

Check back tomorrow for more!

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

Whoa! Another wave of Ocean Explorers arrived today! Let's check their blog entries to see what they like, and what they're learning:

Kelly: "I liked going to the rocky outcrop and collecting all the trash, because I like helping clean the environment. I learned that when you have a balloon, don't let it go, because a turtle might think it is a jellyfish."

Noah: "I liked meeting Wilson [the wood duck]. He was biting the air randomly." "I learned you should grab things you see, like trash."

Andrew: "My favorite activity was meeting everybody, because I made a new friend and now I'm not scared to talk to people." "I learned that you need to reduce, reuse and recycle, to help keep something bad from happening to another animal."

Elena: "My favorite activity was making fish, because it was fun." "I learned about ducks. Oil spills can be bad for birds."

Alex: "My favorite was playing a game." "We learned to protect animals."

Hampton: "We went to the rocky outcrop and saw anemones and algae." "I learned if a duck or bird is covered in oil it can't fly or swim, so you should clean it up."

Sydney: "I liked the arts and crafts, when we made a fish out of a bottle and paper that was recycled. The reason it was my favorite was because it was really fun and it was a cool way to recycle." "We learned how plastic bags and balloons can hurt sea turtles because they think they're jellyfish. I also learned about how to keep them safe because they could get stuck in something, and we learned how they survive."

Ryan: "My favorite today was the beach pickup. I liked this because it helps the earth." "We learned how to protect wildlife by sorting plastic cans and stuff like that."

More to come, tomorrow!

Ocean Exporers Blog 4

It's Friday, and our campers are finishing up the last day of a very busy week. Here are today's blog entries:

Jonathan: "Everything today was my favorite activity because everything was so fun." "I learned what hermit crabs look like out of their shells."

Alana: "I liked going to the Megalodon exhibit because it's extinct, and I learned some stuff."

Blake: "I learned that cigarette butts take 25 years [to decompose]."

PJ: "I learned that the big tank is 24 feet high. I liked the show in the big tank because it was interesting."

Matt: "I liked going to the top of the big tank because I saw all the fish. I learned that in the big tank all the coral is fake."

Michael: "My favorite activity was going to the top of the shark tank, because of the sharks." "I learned that everybody can help [protect wildlife]."

Jon: "I liked everything. We went all around the aquarium." "I learned we can all make a difference."

Conor: "I liked going to the top of the large tank because it was so cool to see all of the fish from above."

Katy: "My favorite was going to the top of the big tank and seeing the fish and seeing the divers clean the glass. We learned how deep the big tank is -- 23 to 25 feet."

Ocean Explorers Blog 3

Another full day for our 10- to 12-year-old day-campers. What were their favorite activities? What did they learn?

Matt: "My favorite was the sharks. I learned Don't put garbage in the ocean or in anything but a trash can."

Alana: "I liked going behind the scenes because it's something you usually don't get to do when you go to the Aquarium."*

Michael: "My favorite was the fossil pit because I found this [he has a shark's tooth]." "I learned that balloons can harm sea turtles, so now I won't let balloon go."

PJ: "I learned that when a turtle shell splits they put sugar on it."

Jonathan: "I liked watching the baby yellow stingray because it was the first one born in captivity." "I learned how to look for cigarettes [on the beach] and to thrown them away."

Blake: "Don't put plastic bags in the water because sea turtles will eat them."

Conor: "I liked going behind the scenes because it was cool to see all the fish and how they take care of them."

Jon: "My favorite was getting a white tooth [in the fossil pit].

Katy: "I liked going behind the scenes in the saltwater quarantine. I love seeing the new animals they have." "We can rescue sea turtles hung up in a fishing line if we help get it free.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR THIS GROUP'S LAST-DAY BLOG!

*(Remember that Behind-the-Scenes tours ARE available as Special Activities -- just check the Website to make reservations.)

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Our Happy Campers share what they've been up to over the past couple of days. We asked them to describe their favorite activities (going to the beach ranked high), and to tell us what they've been learning....

Jon: "I learned that glass bottles take the longest to decompose."

Alana: "I learned that a diaper can take 450 years to decompose."

Matt: "We should not throw garbage, like fishing line, which can take 600 years to decompose."

Blake: "I learned that corn snakes can be found in different places."

Katy: "We went to the beach today and collected trash to clean the beach." "We learned about a sea turtle named Carala, and we learned where and how sea turtles travel through the world of the sea."

Michael: "We went to Zeke's Island with canoes." "We saw a snake and learned a lot."

Jonathan: "My favorite was seeing Wilson the duck, because he was trying repeatedly to bite the marine worker: "I learned that oysters are sharp and dangerous."

Conor: "I learned that if an animal has oil all over it it needs to be scrubbed and washed for a while and then you need to return it back to the wild."

PJ: "I liked going to Zeke's Island, because it was fun catching crabs and fish." "I learned that dirty diapers take 450 years to go away."

Tune in tomorrow for more!

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

A new crop of 10- to 12-year-old campers came aboard today! We asked them to evaluate their first day's favorite activities, and to tell what they learned that will contribute to the rescue or protection of wildlife. Let's check out their blog entries:

Jonathan: "I liked trying to catch stuff at the marsh ... and I learned that picking up trash can stop "the trash island the size of Texas" from getting any bigger."

Blake: "I liked it when we made fish with bottles ... and I learned that we put out our lights at night because the turtles can get hit."

Michael: "I liked going to the salt marsh, because it was cool ... and I learned that recycling can save wildlife."

Conor: "I liked going to the marsh because I have always wanted to play around in the marsh." "One way to help wildlife is to, if you spot or dig up turtle eggs, barricade it off."

PJ: "I liked making bottle fish because it was really fun ... and I learned that you should never litter or build in the marsh."

Matt: "My favorite was making bottle fish because we painted! And we reused the bottles. And I learned we protect wildlife by recycling paper, and (plastic) bags."

Katy: "My favorite activity is when we went crab fishing. I love to work with the crab. (And) when you see a turtle nest you need to make sure to move them closer to the sand dunes."

Jon: "Crabbing was my favorite. I learned that there is a shortage in animals now."

(Anonymous): My favorite part was catching blue crabs, because I don't get to do that often. I learned that we should be more careful on the beach."

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

Today our Ocean Explorers wrapped up their week of adventures and penned the last entries in their log books. Let's see what they had to say:

Andrew: "I went to the new Megalodon exhibit. I liked it because there was a movie. We also went to the top of the big tank and saw the fish."

Caleb: "I liked going to the fossil pit because I found some teeth and crushing plates. I also took care of the sharks by feeding them squid and mackerel and other fish."

Charlie. "I liked going to the Megalodon exhibit. It was the biggest shark I have ever seen."

John: "My favorite thing was looking in the fossil pit."

Ben: "We took care of jellyfish. They eat brine shrimp."

Kelly: "I liked seeing the Megalodon because I wanted to see how big it was. We also learned that we have to feed the sharks at the same time as the other fish but at a different place in the big tank."

Lauren: "I liked finding things in the fossil pit, and we got to got to go the top of the Cafe Fear Shoals tank."

Louis: "I liked the fossil pit because it was full of fossils and teeth."

Hunter: "The Megalodon jaw was as big as me. We also learned about horseshoe crabs. We put them in quarantine and fed them fish and squid."

Ian: "I always like the touch tank."

Jacob: "We went behind the scenes in the Shoals tank, and we learned what a one-hour firewall is for."

Bobby: "We went behind the scenes. My favorite part was the laboratory."

Justin: "I liked the tour of the aquarium. Got to see a fish called a jackknife fish."

Hannah: "My favorite was Cape Fear Shoals, and learning how they get fed -- with scatter feeding and target feeding."

CJ: "Megalodon was my favorite exhibit. The jaw is so big."

Ocean Exporers Blog 4

Day FOUR, another full day for our eleven- to twelve-year-old Ocean Explorers. Let's have a look at what they wrote in today's log-book:

Justin, "My favorite animal-keeper activity was feeding the stripers. They were in like a frenzy. We also fed the octopus."

Avery, "I liked going to the beach because I like to swim. Later we took care of fish. We had to feed them."

Caleb, "My favorite was feeding the fish and the octopi. We fed them fish and other food."

Hunter, "Feeding the octopus was my favorite animal-keeper activity. We learned that the stripers need to be fed every day to stay healthy."

Ian, "My favorite animal keeper was Rich. He told us everything. Feeding the sharks was fun. Especially the huge sandbar sharks."

Louis, "I liked finding shark teeth today. I found about 20."

John, "I fed the seahorses some brine shrimp. I liked playing in the ocean ... riding my boogy board was really fun."

Charlie, "We took care of sharks today. They needed medicine in their food."

CJ, "My favorite animal today was Wilson the Wood Duck, because he is so funny."

Hannah, "I enjoyed going to the beach. We went boogie boarding and took a nap. : ) We also took care of fish, including spade fish."

Jacob, "We fed fish behind the scenes. We saw baby spade fish."

Lauren, "I liked feeding the seahorses. We fed them bring shrimp. They suck it up there, because their mouths don't open."

Kelly, "I liked feeding the seahorses. We had to choose different [food] sizes to make sure they all stay healthy."

Bobby, "My favorite was going to the beach and surfing (boogieboarding) on waves. We also took care of some fish and got to feed the big sharks, lookdowns, permits and more."

Andrew, "I liked making salt water because I like helping the fish. I fed the spade fish."

Ben, "I learned that freezing the animals' food keeps them healthy because it kills the parasites."

Be sure to check tomorrow's blog to find out what the Ocean Explorer's do on their last day of camp!

Ocean Explorers Blog 3

Today was the third day for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see how they enjoyed their day...

Lauren, "I fed the big sharks and it was really fun. I think they liked their food."

John, "I fed sand bar and sand tiger sharks."

Ian, "My favorite keeper was Marc because he said everything about the sharks. My favorite activity was feeding the sharks."

Justin, "My favorite animal keeper activity was feeding big sharks because I liked how they would rip the food apart."

Hanna, "My favorite activity today was going to the beach. I went body surfing and it was fun."

Hunter, "I liked the big sharks because you got to feed them and see them splash."

Caleb, "My favorite activity was feeding the sharks. Some of the sharks didn't cooperate and splashed us."

Bobby, "We took care of sand tiger sharks and sand bar sharks. We got a female sand tiger to eat because she hadn't eaten in a week."

CJ, "I liked feeding the sharks because it was awesome."

Ben, "We took care of sharks that have only been here for a week and gave them medicine."

Avery, "I liked going to the beach. The beach is one of my favorite places to be because I like playing in the water."

Jacob, "My favorite activity was feeding the toads. It was my favorite activity because I have never seen them eat before."

Kelly, "I liked going to the beach, but I also liked feeding the sharks. I liked feeding the sharks because I have only done that one other time."

Andrew, "I liked feeding crickets because I like to see them jump around."

Charlie, "I liked Marc because he let me feed sharks."

Louis, "I liked feeding the bigger sharks because they splashed sometimes."

Check back tomorrow for another update!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Today was Day TWO for the Ocean Explorers' Summer Day Camp at the Aquarium. Their blog entries describe a few of their favorite adventures:




Caleb, "My favorite animal-keeper activity was getting to change the water in the reptile tank. I also took care of frogs."

Ben, "My favorite activity was going canoeing to Zeke's Island, and we went crabbing. It was my favorite because I got to sing songs."

Justin, "The animal that I had to take care of today was a salamander. I had to clean their dirty water and keep them healthy."

CJ, "Today I helped take care of fish. Other fish is what we fed to the fish."

Hannah, "Today we took care of fish by making sure their water was not contaminated."

Charlie, "My favorite animal keeper was Michael, because he let us feed fish."

Louis, "Helping the salamanders, because I really want one."

Avery, "My favorite was canoeing. I liked canoeing because I like working as a team."

Andrew, "Checking the water, because we get to use cool stuff to check the water."

Ian, "My favorite keeper was Michael, because he told us about the types of food. I liked feeding the fish."

Jacob, "I saw a blue angelfish. I took the pH level and the salinity level."

Bobby, "Feeding the fish and ... canoeing to Zeke's Island."

Hunter, "Holding the snakes, because they were so smooth."

Kelly, "I took care of striped bass. I had to cut up all of the fish and I had to throw the fish food in the tanks to take care of them."

John, "I cut up fish and something else for freshwater fish."

Lauren, "Seeing the animals eat the food, because I like them to be healthy."

REMEMBER, OUR CAMPERS WILL BE BUSY AGAIN TOMORROW, SO BE SURE TO CHECK BACK!

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

Today kicked off our fourth week of summer camp for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see what our new explorers had to say about their first day...

CJ, "Today we took care of fish. Each fish had a certain food they they had to eat."

Caleb, "My favorite activity was feeding the sharks but feeding the animals at the Rocky Outcrop was fun too."

Charlie, "Today I took care of snakes, frogs, and turtles. I needed to keep my hands clean."

Andrew, "The Rocky Outcrop was my favorite activity because I like finding shells and fish and other things."

Bobby, "I liked the Behind the Scenes because I got to feed and touch."

Justin, "My favorite animal keeper activity was feeding small sharks because the sharks teeth were cool when they were getting the food."

Avery, "Today we took care of sharks. They had to get fed, entertained, and they needed space to swim."

Hunter, "I liked feeding the shark because it was fun to see them jump."

Louis, "I liked behind the scenes because we fed the sharks."

Hannah, "Today we fed sharks and we had to try to get all of them some food."

Jacob, "Today we fed the sand tiger sharks. We had to point feed them."

Ben, "My favorite activity was Behind the Scenes. I held amphibians, touched snakes, and met turtles and gators. It was way cooler than the regular exhibits."

John, "I took care of the animals in the quarantine tanks by feeding them."

Ian, "Katy was my favorite animal keeper because she told us everything. Going behind the scenes was my favorite activity because we saw gators, fish, snakes and turtles."

Kelly, "I liked feeding the animals behind the scenes. My group got to feed the quarantine tanks. I liked it because not everyone gets to do that."

Lauren, "My favorite activity was feeding animals because we got to feel some animals too."

Check back tomorrow for another update from our campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

Today was the last day of camp
for our ten- to twelve-year-old
"Ocean Explorers."

What will they remember?

Here are entries from their
daily journals:



Kelsey, "Today I learned that fish scales are made of spongey bone and keratin."

Courtney, "I liked touring the Aquarium."

Abby, "My favorite was when we went to the Oceans classroom and made recycled fish."

Helena, "We saw the big tank. You need to have lots of filters."

Cat, "We fed octopi yesterday."

Gage, "Looking at the sea horses."

Devann, "Touching sand crabs. (They were slimey.)"

Mary, "I really liked the megaldon exhibit."

Brandon, "I wish I had a pet megladon. My favorite animal is an octopus."

Erin, "I liked seeing the private dive show."

Kylee, "Touching the animals in the touch tank because you got to pick them up and feel cool creatures."

Spencer, "My favorite was feeding the sharks cause it was fun."

Maddie, "I liked going to the big tank and watching the diver clean it. I would want to do that in life too."

Ocean Explorers Blog 4

Today was day four for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers as they learned about taking care of animals. Let's see what they said...

Gage, "We got to feed the octopus and we fed them shrimp and ice cubes so we could see them work at it."

Kylee, "My favorite activity was finding the touch tank because we got to touch all the creatures."

Reagan, "I thought touching the shark was fun because it was cold."

Danny, "My favorite activity was petting the snake."

Spencer, "Today we took care of the jellyfish. Feeding them was required to keep them healthy."

Maddie, "I liked when we cut up the fish and fed them to the touch tank because it was a new job."

Kelsey, "My favorite activity today was feeding horseshoe crabs because it was fun being able to do that."

Mary, "I liked going to the beach. It was fun even though I got trampled by a wave, the counselors helped me get out!"

Courtney, "My favorite activity was feeding the touch tank. We got to hold animals."

Brandon, "Today we took care of fish. We had to make the water good for them."

Erin, "My favorite activity was going to the beach. We were diving under and jumping over like 20 ft waves. Awesome!"

Devann, "Touching the snake was my favorite thing because they felt weird."

Helena, "I liked feeding the octopus because they are smart."

Abby, "My favorite activity was when I fed the touch tank animals fish and squid (fresh)."

Cat, "My favorite animal keeper activity was petting and learning about snakes and turtles."

Check back tomorrow for our final update from this group of Ocean Explorers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 3

Today was day 3 for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see what they had to say...

Courtney, "We took care of the sharks by giving them the right food and vitamins."

Abby, "My favorite activity was when we fed sushi to sand bar sharks. I liked it because it was fun."

Brandon, "We took care of tiger sharks. They require the right food to keep them healthy."

Kelsey, "My favorite activity today was feeding sharks because it was interesting seeing and interacting with them."

Spencer, "Today I fed a shark. The right food was required to keep them healthy."

Reagan, "I think the beach was my favorite activity because I swam in the water."

Mary, "Going to the beach was fun but the waves were so big!"

Erin, "Today we fed the sharks again, but this time we put vitamins in their food."

Kylee, "Today I took care of the sharks. They require food, clean water, and vitamins."

Cat, "I loved feeding the sharks because sharks are cool and dangerous!"

Maddie, "I liked feeding the sharks because it was fun watching them open their mouths!"

Danny, "Today I learned that to take care of sharks, you need to feed them and give them vitamins."

Alexia, "I loved feeding the sharks because sharks are awesome and interesting."

Devann, "Today we fed baby sharks. They were competitive. I liked the female sandtiger shark the best."

Helena, "My favorite activity was feeding the sharks because I love sharks."

Gage, "I liked going to the beach. I liked the beach because I like to tan and run around in the sand."

Check back tomorrow for another update from our campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Today was day two for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see how they enjoyed their day...

Devann, "My favorite thing we did during the Animal Keeper was watch Jill the boy octopus."

Kylee, "My favorite activity was swimming in the swimming hole because I got to ride with the current."

Helena, "My favorite activity today was taking water samples."

Spencer, "My favorite activity today was washing the filter because it was easy."

Abby, "I did take care of animals: corn snakes and so on. I cleaned boxes and bags and kept them busy."

Alexia, "I liked holding the snakes because they were soft and fun to hold."

Cat, "My favorite animal keeper activity was when we checked the water in the Behind the Scenes tank."

Kelsey, "My favorite activity was when we canoed to Zeke's Island and played there."

Gage, "Swimming in the swim hole was my favorite activity."

Reagan, "I liked testing the water because it made me feel special and important."

Erin, "I liked feeding the octopus and jellyfish. For the octopus, we put shrimp in ice and they ate it!"

Courtney, "I would say my favorite activity was feeding the snakes. It was AWESOME!"

Maddie, "I liked when we tested the water pH and salinity because it made me feel like I worked there."

Danny, "My favorite activity was when we fed the moon jelly."

Mary, "I liked when we learned how to hold a snake."

Brandon, "My favorite activities were the octopus and a whole day swimming!"

Check back tomorrow for another update from our campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 1

Yesterday kicked off the third week of our Ocean Explorers summer camp. Let's see what our 10-12 year old explorers said about their first day.

Gage, "Today I worked with sandbar sharks. I helped feed them."

Kylee, "My favorite activity was feeding the sharks because it was an awesome experience."

Kelsey, "My favorite thing I did today was feed the sharks because it was cool watching them get fed, but even cooler to feed them."

Reagan, "Today I worked with the sand bar sharks and I helped the aquarist."

Brandon, "I fed the sand bar sharks. That was my favorite activity."

Mary, "I really liked going to feed the sand bar sharks. It was fun to learn about them and what they eat."

Courtney, "Today I worked with sharks. We had to feed them and cut up fish."

Danny, "I fed the sand tiger sharks. That was my favorite activity."

Abby, "My favorite activity was when we made recycled paper for our nature journals. I liked that activity because it was fun and it was recycled."

Alexia, "I helped feed the fish and I saw them eat REALLY fast."

Spencer, "The animal I worked with was the shark. I helped to feed them. My favorite activity of the day was lunch."

Maddie, "My favorite activity was dropping the food in the tank and watching the fish attack."

Cat, "I helped feed fish behind the scenes. I got to feed bass. We fed the fish at shark tooth ledge."

Helena, "I worked with sharks today. I also cut up fish for bass."

Devann, "Today, I worked with sharks. There were six sharks. I also went to the salt marsh to catch blue crabs. Nobody caught anything."

Erin, "Today, I worked with Sand Bar sharks!Our other duty was to feed them. We also went to the salt marsh, but I liked the sharks waaayyyy better!"

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

It was the final day of camp for our second group of 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see how they enjoyed their day...

Brendan, "I learned that some types of jelly fish stings don't hurt."

Cameron, "My favorite activity was going to the beach and swimming. We saw a pod of dolphins!"

Cassidy, "I learned that black skimmers skim the water for fish."

Nikolas, "My favorite activity was going to the beach."

Savannah, "I learned that prey is not at the top of the food chain."

Sachi, "My favorite activity was going to the beach."

Katelyn, "Today, Ocean Explorers went to the beach. I found about 15 mole crabs. I also saw two groups of dolphins."

Elena, "I liked going to the beach."

Mat, "I learned that plants can be predators such as flytraps."

Look back next week for updates from our third group of campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 4

It's day four for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers! Today's adventures included canoeing and a Behind the Scenes look at the Cape Fear Shoals. Let's see what our campers had to say...

Nikolas, "I liked crabbing the most because I enjoy catching fish."

Brendan, "I learned that certain predators have special adaptations to catch their prey."

Corbin, "My favorite activity was getting to see the turtles. I liked it because I learned that the turtles on land have a round shell and the ones in the water have a flat shell."

Cameron, "I learned that a turtle is both a predator and a prey."

Cassidy, "My favorite activity was going up to the top of the Cape Fear Shoals tank."

Sachi, "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes."

Savannah, "My favorite activity was going canoeing because I was helping."

Katelyn, "Today Ocean Explorers went canoeing. We saw Zeke's Island and swam. It was amazing."

Elena, "My favorite activity was being on top of the big tank."

Mat, "My favorite activity was going canoeing."

Check back tomorrow for our final update from our second group of campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 3

Day three was an exciting one for our 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers. Let's see what they learned...

Mat, " I learned that alligators had adaptations."

Savannah, "My favorite activity was touching the alligator because it was cool."

Corbin, "I learned that even if you kill one thing in an environment, it can mess up the whole food chain."

Katelyn, "Today, Ocean Explorers went on a tour of the entire Aquarium. We also met squiggles the alligator."

Cameron, "My favorite activity was going outside and playing games."

Nikolas, "My favorite activity was playing predator and prey games outside because I love sports!"

Sachi, "I liked making the shirts and looking for shark teeth."

Elena, "I learned all about alligators!"

Cassidy, "I learned that alligators have bones that protect them called scutes."

Brendan, "I learned that alligators all have special adaptations."

Check back tomorrow for another update from our campers!

Ocean Explorers Blog 2

Day 2 for our second group of Ocean Explorers found our 10-12 year old campers recycling paper, and going behind the scenes to learn more about the Aquarium and the animals that live there. Let's hear what our campers had to say...

Corbin, "The octopus was my favorite part because it did a whole bunch of tricks."

Sachi, "My favorite activity was going behind the scenes. I liked it because we got to see all the animals."

Brendan, "I learned that a lion fish has a new predator."

Savannah, "I learned that a duck is both predator and prey."

Cameron, "I learned that humpback whales have a predator called a cookie cutter shark."

Cassidy, "My favorite activity was when Miss Jen brought out Wilson the wood duck and we went to the conservatory. I also liked going to the beach."

Elena, "We learned about ducks and how they lose their feathers."

Nikolas, "I liked going to the beach because we all had the most awesome time."

Katelyn, "Today, Ocean Explorers went to the beach and Behind the Scenes. It was very fun! At Behind the Scenes, we saw tiny seahorses and an octopus."

Mat, "My favorite activity was going to the conservatory."

Look back tomorrow for another update!

Ocean Explorers Blog: Week 2

Our second week of summer camps has officially kicked off. Let's see what our second group of 10-12 year old Ocean Explorers had to say about their first day...

Nikolas, "I learned that most animals are predators and prey."

Elena, "My favorite activity was making animals you get to make up."

Corbin,"My favorite activity was going to the beach. We got to see animals on and under the rocks."

Brendan, "I learned that there are many types of predators and prey. I also learned what they eat."

Cameron, "I learned that the corn snake is prey."

Katelyn, "Today Ocean Explorers went to Rocky Outcrop and I found a broken shell. We also got to see and pet a corn snake."

Mat, "I liked making clay animals because we made up our own."

Cassidy, "I learned that herrings eat baby alligators."

Savannah, "I learned that predators eat the fish and prey do not."

Sachi, "My favorite activity was making the clay animals. I liked it because we could be creative."

Check back tomorrow for another update from our campers.

Ocean Explorers Blog 5

Today was the final day of camp for this summer's first group of Ocean Explorers. Let's see how they enjoyed their day...

Sara, "I learned that moray eels are actually blue."

Kay-Kay, "I learned that sharks are very much apex predators."

Ross, "My favorite activity was probably touring the area because I can see all the stuff."

Alex, "I liked catching the large minnows when we were at Rocky Outcrop."

Jack, "I learned that nothing eats eels but us."

Carmen, "I liked going to the Rocky Outcrop. We did not see much but we still had fun."

Ella, "Today I learned that sharks seem like they want to eat me."

Emerson, "I learned that Megalodon's eat whales!"

Charlie, "My favorite activity was the private dive show because it was only for campers."

Anna-Poe, "My favorite activity was the dive show because they told us things we had never heard before."

Bekah, "I liked eating cake and going on the tour."

Check back next week for updates from our second set of Ocean Explorers!