Tennessee Aquarium

Like a favorite fishing spot, people return to the Tennessee Aquarium to see amazing animals that swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. This remarkable journey from the mountains to the sea takes visitors through three living forests under glass and puts them eye to eye with 10-foot sharks, giant spider crabs, river otters and alligators. The Aquarium's newest addition, Ocean Journey, takes guests into the open ocean where fierce sharks, stealthy stingrays and colorful reef fish glide through amazing coral formations. Visitors also experience a shark and ray touch pool and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. The weird and wonderful animals in Ocean Journey's - Boneless Beauties - gallery include graceful jellyfish, a giant octopus and captivating cuttlefish. The original River Journey building takes guests on a freshwater adventure, with exhibits that showcase the Appalachian Cove Forest, a steamy Delta swamp and rivers of the world. Outside the Aquarium walls, downtown Chattanooga offers a revitalized riverfront with miles of parks and public art, all surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.

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One individual animal birth is a milestone whenever a species is on the brink of extinction, so having two births of an endangered species in back to back seasons is a significant achievement. Last year, the Tennessee Aquarium announced a North American first when a Beal’s four-eyed turtle, Sacalia bealei, hatched. Now Aquarium biologists are celebrating another baby Beal’s turtle. “Having a second hatchling is great news. I think it’s a really strong next step as we try to build a backlog of experience with this critically endangered species,” said Dave Collins, the Tennessee Aquarium’s curator of forests.

Only 21 of these turtles are known to exist in public zoos and aquariums throughout the United States and Europe. The newest hatchling is the Tennessee Aquarium’s seventh. The only other Beal’s four-eyed turtle on record in the United States is at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, California. The remaining thirteen on record are housed in European zoos.

With more than 500 turtles representing 70 species, the Tennessee Aquarium exhibits more turtles than any other public facility in the United States and is renowned for turtle conservation research. “What we have learned about breeding turtles we have done with a relatively high diversity of species and a relatively small number of individuals,” said Collins.

The Beal’s four-eyed turtle gets its name from the ocelli or false eye markings on the back of the turtle’s head. These turtles were once common throughout southern China, but have seen significant declines in their population in recent years due to over collection for food and traditional medicine trade. Therefore, adding even a single individual to the captive population helps ensure this species does not become extinct. “Breeding turtles is a very slow and steady process, but I think we are onto something. The overall survival of the species may be helped by our efforts at the Tennessee Aquarium and we are willing to share this information with others working with these animals for the long term,” Collins said.

The Beal’s four-eyed turtle is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of endangered species and some experts believe this species could become extinct in the wild within the next 20 years. Collins admits there’s still more to learn about these particular animals, but he is hopeful that with a helping hand from the Aquarium and other experts worldwide the species will survive. “These youngsters may add more individuals to the captive population three to five years from now. In the meantime, we continue to add to our knowledge and experience as we attempt to bring more of these animals into the world.”

Last year’s Beal’s hatchling can be seen in the Tennessee Aquarium’s “Rivers of the World” gallery located on the second level of the River Journey building. The Aquarium’s newest turtle will be housed off exhibit to minimize stress and encourage feeding.                                                              

The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $19.95 per adult and $12.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $25.95 for adults and $17.95 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities. Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call 267-FISH to join.
 

An exciting new journey is about to launch at the Tennessee Aquarium. Visitors will soon have the opportunity to extend their Aquarium experience by venturing into the heart of “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” The River Gorge Explorer will transport as many as 70 passengers – up to five times daily - into the Gorge to experience this unspoiled stretch of the Tennessee River.

Each 90 minute cruise will begin as passengers board the River Gorge Explorer at the Chattanooga Pier next to the Tennessee Aquarium. Four water jets will propel this catamaran-style watercraft smoothly and swiftly downstream. Angled seating will allow each guest to relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows and overhead sky panes. An onboard concession kiosk will offer guests an opportunity to purchase refreshments.

 Once inside the Gorge, guests will step out onto a topside viewing deck to enjoy searching for eagles, osprey and other animals that live within this protected habitat. A Tennessee Aquarium naturalist will point out native plants and animals, discuss the rich history of the Gorge and emphasize the importance of conservation efforts.

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust has been able to preserve over 16,000 acres of land within this incredibly rich area. The right combination of geographic location and terrain has produced micro-climates sustaining one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.

The Gorge is home to more than 1,000 varieties of plants, and hundreds of animal species and has been designated a United Nation’s Biosphere Reserve. The vast, unbroken habitat bordering the river makes this stretch of Tennessee a birder’s paradise. Neo-tropical migratory species as well as native songbirds and raptors thrive within this protected habitat.

Historically, the area has been a cradle of civilization providing people with all the essential ingredients for survival. In fact, archaeological sites on Williams Island suggest people have been hunting, gathering and farming in the Gorge since the end of the last ice age, 10 to12,000 years ago. More recent history reminds us of the raging waters of a wilder Tennessee River and the navigational hazards early American settlers had to contend with. The Gorge also played a role in the course of the Civil War.

Now the journey that takes you from the mountains to the sea in the two Aquarium buildings will be deepened. This will be a real opportunity to build on the freshwater to saltwater learning experience by adventuring into this amazing habitat aboard the River Gorge Explorer.