February 2024

Leading the way in saving species, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now serving only Bird Friendly® coffee. This Smithsonian certification is the environmental gold standard in sustainable coffee and cocoa production. It is the only cup of joe the team is percolating and pouring for staff and visitors. The NC Aquarium Society Gift Shop at Fort Fisher and several grocery stores will also be selling Bird Friendly® coffee from a local roaster, with some of the proceeds supporting the Aquariums. 


Why BIRD FRIENDLY®?

When you purchase Bird Friendly® certified coffee or cocoa, you:

  • Preserve critical habitat for birds, otters and other wildlife
  • Fight climate change 
  • Protect biodiversity
  • Support farmers committed to conserving bird and wildlife habitat by farming sustainably.

Impact on Asian Small-Clawed Otters

Deforestation to plant coffee farms is one of the threats impacting Asian small-clawed otter populations. Rambunctious and mischievous, the otters are favorites at the Aquarium, and they have an important story to tell. Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. They are the smallest of the otter species and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 


Along with deforestation, other threats, include:

  • Residential and commercial development 
  • The illegal pet trade 
  • Pollution 
  • Climate change 
  • Poaching 

The NCAFF team hopes to inspire the community to follow the Aquarium’s lead to also make the switch to Bird Friendly® coffee.

If you would like to sign up for SEAmail at our other locations, 

click here to subscribe

FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYouTube

1-800-832-FISH (3474)