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.

Animal Spotlight: Eastern glass lizard

Today's Animal Spotlight is the Eastern glass lizard.

The Eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) is a legless lizard often mistaken for a snake. The difference between a legless lizard and a snake is that the lizard has ear openings and eyelids, unlike snakes. They are usually 18-24 inches long with 2/3 of that being their tail. The Eastern glass lizards is very common in the Southeastern Coastal Plains and can live up to 15 years in captivity.

Our Eastern glass lizard can be found in the Box Turtle Exhibit located in the Cape Fear Conservatory.

Local Catch: Spring

Each season, the Aquarium offers advice on local seafood availability. The following list highlights species in seafood markets and restaurants in spring. When dining out, ask if these or other choices are "Local Catch".

When choosing to dine on "Local Catch" you should remember that quality counts! You want to make sure that your seafood has no disagreeable odor and if it's live (blue crab) look for the movement of legs.

To find your local North Carolina seafood market, visit nc-seafood.org.

This information is made possible by the NC Sea Grant, NC Department of Agriculture and the NC Aquariums.

Pocket-sized "Local Catch" guides are available at the Aquarium each season.

Happy dining!