The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island held there grand opening for the STAR Center on Friday. STAR, by the way stands for Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation.
It is an absolutely remarkable facility, definitely worth a visit if you're going to the Aquarium-which is highly recommended.
What is so amazing about the STAR Center is the access it gives to the public to see how injured sea turtles are treated and rehabilitated. There are six rehab tanks and an operating room all of it open to the public-although the operating room is encased in glass to keep it sterile.
The facility came about because of a remarkable partnership between the Aquarium and Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.). N.E.S.T. volunteers were some of the first people to start bringing injured sea turtles to the Aquarium and much of the specialized equipment in the building is a result of the organization's efforts.
This is a great summer to visit the Aquarium. Along with the STAR Center that just opened, Tyrannosaurus Trek is on the grounds through the summer. A short path leads visitors past life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, it is a must see part of the Aquarium experience.
