Take 5 with Joanna Zazzali

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is poised to embark on a multi-million-dollar renovation this fall, and aquarium director JOANNA ZAZZALI is at the helm of it all. 

“We are excited to share a transformative experience with the community with the largest shark habitat in the state, a more modern and accessible facility, immersive exhibits, and engaging opportunities for students,” Zazzali says. 

As the leader of the aquarium, she views it as essential not only to educate others but also to continue her own journey of discovery. 

“I learn something new every day – from a unique trait of an animal to the importance of life support systems,” she says. “The amount of work that goes into running the systems and keeping the animals thriving has really been amazing to learn about. I’m also amazed by the sheer amount of details our aquarists and educators know about so many species.” 

As director, Zazzali works with seventy-five employees and several departments, including guest services, safety, education, special events, exhibits, administrative services, communications, finance, and human resources. 

The journey to her current position is unusual: Zazzali, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Frostburg State University, began as an eighth-grade math teacher. Seeking new experiences and driven by her love for nature, she moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, where she worked at a ski resort and eventually rose to a management position. Then she had a stint in the hospitality industry before joining the aquarium in 2008 as an admissions cashier. She spent the next sixteen years in roles of increasing responsibility until her promotion to director in 2024.  

“There is nobody at the aquarium more dedicated or passionate towards the mission of the N.C. Aquariums,” says Hap Fatzinger, division director for North Carolina Aquariums. “Her impact and influence run deep throughout the culture of the aquarium.” 

Zazzali shares a success story about Maverick, an injured bald eagle found in Wisconsin with a broken wing. Relocated to the aquarium in 2014, he cannot fly but serves as a conservation ambassador, educating the public on habitat loss and wildlife rehabilitation. 

“We can learn from the past, from what we’ve done to our environment and to our oceans,” she says. “Maverick is a perfect example of how, in the past, this beautiful raptor was dying off because of human impacts, and now it is no longer on the endangered list because we made changes together to save bald eagles.” 

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is dedicated to wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on aquatic species. It rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals and sea turtles, promotes sustainable practices, reduces plastic pollution, and collaborates on research to support shark populations.  

“So much of our jobs here at the aquarium is really educating folks about nature, and it’s not always just starting with educating them, it’s just getting them to fall in love,” Zazzali says. “Fall in love with these animals.” 

As head of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, JOANNA ZAZZALI is leading the popular attraction at a time when the facility is about to enter its next chapter – bringing more sea life and visitors in the years ahead.

What’s your background with the aquarium before becoming its director last year?

“I began my career at NCAFF in the spring of 2008 in the guest services department. I shifted to the education department in 2010, served as the visitor services coordinator overseeing guest services and safety/security department from 2012 until accepting the director position in 2024.”

How and why did you get into this field?

“Many years ago, as a young professional, it was important to find something meaningful and rewarding that gave me an opportunity to share my passion of nature with the community. Because of my love for the ocean and marine life, I was honored to join the frontline team to ensure guests had the most memorable and educational experience at the aquarium.”

What details can you share about the aquarium’s upcoming expansion?

“The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will undergo a transformational renovation and expansion, which will make us the largest aquarium in the state. The expansion will highlight sand tiger sharks which are critically endangered in some parts of the world. The 380,000-gallon shark habitat will offer visitors a view through an enveloping 40-foot-wide curved acrylic window. This new habitat along with the addition of a touch habitat with sharks, rays, and other species will connect visitors, especially students to these marine animals. Visitors can also expect to see other amazing new habitats featuring corals and aquaculture and exhibits that share key messages about sustainable fishing and the importance of protecting the environment. Students will be at the center of some immersive classroom renovations extending to outdoor learning spaces.”

What else are you looking forward to in this role?

“It is an honor to work with a passionate team of professionals who work together to achieve our mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. I look forward to leading this team through a major renovation and expansion and celebrating with them and the community a more accessible, immersive, and exciting aquarium.”

What’s one of your favorite marine animals and why?

“There are so many amazing marine animals that inspire me to work harder at protecting them and their habitats. Here at the aquarium, there are some animals that really grab the attention of our visitors. Among those are Luna, an albino alligator; Maverick, the bald eagle; a sand tiger shark pair; and two families of otters – all of which hold a special place in my heart as well.”

JOANNA ZAZZALI’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Leadership email.

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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