KURE BEACH, N.C. — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is adding an exhibit that will be "otterly" amazing!

• 3,000-square-foot "Otters on the Edge" exhibit will house Asian small-clawed otters
• Construction was delayed due to impacts of Hurricane Florence
• Project will take about six months to complete

Construction is expected to begin in January on a new 3,000-square-foot habitat that will house Asian small-clawed otters, who are known to be highly energetic and notoriously cute. The new exhibit, "Otters on the Edge," will feature interactive water elements, living space for separate family groups, and behind-the-scenes care areas.

Officials say the addition of the exhibit will also allow the aquarium team to help the semi-aquatic species, which is listed as vulnerable on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

“The aquarium cares about saving animals locally and globally,” Aquarium Director Hap Fatzinger said. “Caring for these otters, helping our visitors understand the threats the animals face will help inspire action for wildlife and wild places.”

The exhibit will be located within the aquarium's freshwater conservatory as a renovation of existing space. According to aquarium officials, this renovation will allow a rescued bald eagle in aquarium care to be relocated to a new, outdoor habitat in the attraction's garden in late spring.

The aquarium says it expects to care for two or three otters initially. 

Construction on the exhibit was initially planned for early 2019 but was delayed due to Hurricane Florence impacts. The build is expected to take about six months to complete and will cost roughly $1.8 million.

The aquarium's conservatory building closed to visitors in November and will likely remain closed until late Spring 2020. The aquarium however, will remain open during construction.

Aquarium general admission is reduced by $3 during the conservatory closure. Ticket prices can be found on the aquarium's website. The aquarium is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed December 25.