The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island will be closed to the public Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 15 for upgrades to its HVAC system.

The upgrades are a much-needed improvement to ensure the comfort and care of future STAR Center patients, said the aquarium’s associate director Allen McDowell. “The timing for this replacement helps us avoid interruption during the peak summer season, but also gives us time to be ready for cold-stun season.”

In the winter, sea turtles are often found drifting or beached following a rapid drop in sea temperatures. Each year, the STAR Center treats many of these cold-stunned turtles.

Because of several successful sea turtle releases in recent months, there are only a few patients currently in the STAR Center. That means it will be easier to transfer those turtles to a behind-the-scenes facility where they will continue to receive treatment during the HVAC upgrade.

The rest of the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island will remain open during the STAR Center closure, including all galleries, exhibits and outdoor areas.

The aquarium expressed thanks to everyone for continued support in its conservation and species preservation efforts, including the STAR Center.

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