Brilliantly colored lorikeets landing on your outstretched arm, a bald eagle named Maverick, and an albino alligator named Luna. Scuba divers swimming with eels and stingrays and loggerhead sea turtles. These are only a small sampling of the encounters and experiences you’ll find inside Lorikeet Landing at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and on Touch Tank Tuesdays at the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Through September 30, Lorikeet Landing will be featuring their live lorikeet exhibit, and you can even purchase a nectar cup for a more personal experience with these amazing, free-flying birds.

Additionally, each Touch Tank Tuesday brings a myriad of different experiences: everything from purple sea urchins, orange horse conchs, blue crabs, and much more are gathered for visitors to handle and learn about before being released. Nature lovers, marine life lovers, and kids of all ages will be fascinated by the interactive stations, along with fun games and crafts. These interactive programs will be featured through August 27. Admittance is free, but donations are always appreciated.