Aquarium collects more than $2,100 worth of coins from bottom of waterfall to help pay for care of animals

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. — The waterfall at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores was never meant to be a wishing well.

Yet, over time, the 30-foot Smoky Mountain waterfall has become a popular spot for visitors to throw coins in and make wishes.

Since closing because of the coronavirus pandemic in March, aquarium officials also turned off the waterfall to conserve electricity, prompting them to collect the coins that have been thrown in for the last 15 years, WCTI reported.

"(The coins) will go toward the general care of the aquarium and animals during this time," the aquarium said on social media.

Staff collected 100 gallons-worth of coins. They started taking the coins to a bank, and have so far, cashed in $2,100.

"We've sent a portion of them to the automated coin counter at a local bank," the aquarium said. "It took about four hours to get through nine crates of coins."

The aquarium, which has been closed since March 17, is still closed by a state order.

Cox Media Group