Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Crabbing

As campers learned how to protect and preserve wildlife they ventured out in the wild to check out some of the coolest animals around...CRABS!

In their own words, campers describe why they enjoyed crabbing.

"Catching fiddler crabs [was my favorite activity] because it was fun!" -Alex
"Going to the Rocky Outcrop because I caught a lot of awesome sea creatures." -Jaclynn
"Going to the cove and catching crabs [was my favorite activity]." -Kaden
"Going to the Rocky Outcrop because I caught a crab." -Davis

Here are some photos from campers who went crabbing in the salt marsh during the week.

Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Shirt Painting

Many people have no idea that certain animals are considered threatened or endangered. This week, campers highlighted many of the endangered species with through one of the coolest crafts in summer camp... t-shirt painting.

Campers explain their favorite activity of the day in their own words:

"Painting t-shirts [was fun] because I got to use paint." -LJ
"Painting t-shirts because it was fun!" -Andrew
"My favorite activity today was painting my t-shirt. It was really fun. I also really liked going canoeing." -Aislinn
"My favorite part was when we painted our shirts because I love art." -Jaclynn
"Shirt making! It was fun!" -Michael

Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Crafts

All week long, Wildlife Rescuers campers channeled their creative side with arts and crafts. From sand painting to recycled material crafts, learning about protecting wildlife in this way was fun, fun, FUN!

Here are a few photos of campers "painting" with sand and glue to demonstrate the importance of marine habitats.

Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Animal Encounters

Today, Wildlife Rescuers campers had a close encounter of the animal kind!

Campers learned to protect and preserve endangered species like alligators, northern pine snakes and tiger-barred salamanders as they got up-close and even touched some of these creatures.

In their own words, campers explain why these animal encounters were their favorite part of the day:

"Petting the gator, the snake and being sprayed by the water for the salamander (because it was refreshing) and the skin had a unique texture." - Mikhail

"Seeing the baby alligator, Mo." -Scarlett

"I got to see a baby alligator today. His name was Mo. Mo is cute." -Jenna

Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Salt Marsh

Training is under way for the Wildlife Rescuers at the Aquarium Summer Camp today.


Campers enjoyed a hike to the nearby salt marsh where they investigated animal life and learned how to protect it.

In their own words, campers explain what they learned about protecting wildlife in and around the area:

"Don't litter and when you see someone litter don't fuss with them just pick it up." - Mikhail
"Never litter, reuse paper and always recycle." - Jenna
"How to make paper out of recycled tissue paper and discarded paper." - Nate
"Recycling paper and plastic keeps it out of the ocean." - Jackson
"You shouldn't litter, pick up trash if you see some and recycle." - Scarlett

Shrimp in the salt marsh.

Animal Spotlight: red lionfish

Though native to the Indo-Pacific region of the world, the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is commonly found on the North Carolina coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. Many scientists blame Hurricane Andrew for the lionfish’s accidental introduction to the area in 1992. 
Lionfish use 13 venomous dorsal spines to sting their prey as they glide along rocks and coral while hunting at night. During the day, these animals usually stay hidden in caves and crevices. With no natural predators in the area, this invasive species threatens native animals by encroaching upon their prey and habitats. 


Three red lionfish make their home in the Exotics Aquatics gallery at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.