Expansion Opportunity The organization is undergoing a major expansion that includes a 400,000-gallon shark tank and coral habitat, plus touch pools, indicating a strong investment in guest experiences and new attractions that can be paired with sponsorships, experiential partnerships, or exclusive tours.

New Location Rollout Plans to open a new Wilmington location with the Discovery Bay exhibit suggest cross-sell opportunities for corporate events, school field trips, and seasonal passes, as well as potential partner marketing with regional tourism stakeholders.

Grants and Funding A multi-year grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment plus other philanthropic support signals openness to grant-funded collaborations, educational programs, and nonprofit partnerships that can be leveraged for joint programs or sponsorships.

High Visitor Reach With nearly 500,000 yearly visitors and year-round operation, there is a large audience for branded experiences, digital engagement campaigns, and merchandise partnerships aligned with sustainability and wildlife education.

Industry Recognition Recent awards and final recognition in global competitions enhance credibility for premium partnerships, licensing deals, and co-branded campaigns with conservation-focused products or services.