High Country Times

Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Wilkes) congratulated the North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette's Pier for continuing to engage the public virtually while the facilities are closed.

"A big tip of the hat to N.C. Aquariums and Jennette's Pier for their creativity and innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said in an Aug. 13 Facebook post. 

The North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher and Roanoke Island, and Jennette's Pier at Nags Head closed their doors in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. The facilities have found ways to continue to let the public visit and learn from the animals through virtual behind-the-scenes tours. 

"These new virtual programs allow us to continue sharing the fascinating world of the aquarium even when we don't have guests in the building," Dia Hitt, education curator at the North Carolina Aquarium on  Roanoke Island, told WTKR for its Aug. 10 report. "We are excited to have the ability to connect with families that we might not normally see here. It's really about adapting  and making use of the best opportunities at hand."

Jennette's Pier is offering virtual opportunities and activity kits that allow participants to explore wind power, renewable energy, plankton investigations and more, bringing together a virtual field trip. Jennette's Pier is also open for fishing.

N.C. Aquariums Roanoke Island and Pine Knoll Shores offer outdoor activities, guided tours that include fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Pine Knoll Shores also offers "Whale of a Workout," a 30-minute exercise session where participants learn how animals move through their habitat and mimic their movements.