Animal Care and Research
Surgery on a black sea bass
The North Carolina Aquariums implement best practices in the care of our live animal and plant collections. Collections conservation and captive propagation ensure the longevity and health of the animals, reducing the need for collection from the wild.
The North Carolina Aquariums partner with the North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. NCSU is home to one of the top veterinary schools in the United States. Aquatic animal medicine is a unique program of study NCSU offers.
The relationship with NCSU ensures that Aquarium animals receive the best of care, while veterinary students get hands-on learning opportunities.
Brook trout surgery
The veterinary school staff is led by Dr. Michael Stoskopf and Dr. Greg Lewbart, both located in Raleigh, N.C. Dr. Craig Harms is located at NCSU’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) in Morehead City, on the North Carolina coast.
Dr. Harms applies his expertise in aquatic animal medicine towards regular care of Aquarium collections. The Veterinary College has published numerous scientific papers based on cases they have handled at the Aquariums. The papers cover such topics as surgery on cuttlefish and snakes, sea turtle health assessment and development of new treatments for aquatic animal infections and parasites.