Aquarium nets 2,662 pounds of pet food for the SPCA
By Submitted Story on January 23, 2018
Maylon White, NCARI director; Leslie Vegas, education animal aquarist; Kristin Clark, assistant husbandry curator; John Graves, SPCA executive director; and Mona, a friend from the shelter.
Guests to the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island donated an “arf-ul” lot of food during the Santa Paws holiday pet food drive, so much that it took two truckloads to move it all to the Outer Banks SPCA.
Between Nov. 20 and Jan. 4, Aquarium guests dropped off 2,662 pounds of food and pet supplies, which lends a big hand to the furry, friendly and adoptable animals at the SPCA. During the drive, guests who brought in at least a 7-pound bag of dog or cat food got into the aquarium for free, but many brought in even more.
“We are always so grateful and overjoyed at the outpouring from the community during the Santa Paws drive,” said Kristin Clark, the Aquarium’s assistant husbandry curator. “It means a lot to see so many people stepping up to help out our neighbors at the Outer Banks SPCA.”
SPCA Executive Director John Graves said the annual drive is a big help to the animal shelter, which takes in approximately 2,000 dogs and cats each year.
“We really look forward to this every year,” Graves said. “The combined support from the Aquarium and our surrounding community is enormous, and we are incredibly thankful.”
NCARI is currently hosting another annual drive, to raise food for the Roanoke Island Food Pantry. The Ton of Love food drive runs through Valentine’s Day, and guests are invited to bring non-perishable goods to the Aquarium.
The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. To learn more, visit NC Aquarium/Roanoke Island.
