To introduce young scientists to the world of biology, the Tennessee Aquarium will offer the chance to become “Keeper Kids” this spring, March 13-21 and April 3-11. Keeper Kids and their families will go behind the scenes to learn what it takes to care for penguins, otters, butterflies and thousands of fish ranging from topminnows to toothy sharks.
During spring break, keeper kids will be given a list of their “duties” and a daily report form to fill out as they tour River Journey and Ocean Journey.
Along the way, Keeper Kids and their families will be able to sign up for two experiences on a first-come, first-served basis at guest services stations in both buildings.
These activities will be available at various times throughout the day:
Ocean Journey Keeper Kids experiences:
Release butterflies
Feed partridges and Palawan peacock pheasant
Prep food for the Ray Buffet and feed stingrays
Make enrichment items for the hyacinth macaws
Go behind the scenes with scuba divers
Help feed some of the animals in the Secret Reef
Record penguin observations behind the scenes
Be a “scuba buddy” during a gear check and demonstration
River Journey Keeper Kids experiences:
Feed the otters
Feed trout
Observe an animal encounters training session
Explore a hidden maze of pipes and pumps
Help the Aquarium veterinarian
Delve into a working biology research lab
Assist with sea turtle enrichment
Help feed animals in the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Nickajack exhibit
Prepare an essential dietary supplement for aquatic species
Feed turtles in the Delta Swamp
The Keeper Kids activities will be offered free with Aquarium admission.
The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater will be showing the Hubble 3D film with images of the cosmos when the film premiers at IMAX on Friday, March 19.
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film will offer a look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its impact on the way the universe is viewed.
Visitors can also dive into Wild Ocean 3D at IMAX during spring break. This film transports audiences to the waters off Wild Coast in South Africa. Viewers will come face to face with billions of sardines and the acrobatic animals that feed upon them. From bottlenose dolphins to seals, penguins, diving birds, sharks and whales join in the feeding frenzy. The 3D experience places audiences in the middle of this natural event where it’s eat – or get eaten.
Selected by Earthwatch Institute as Film of the Year for 2009, Wild Ocean 3D is a film that celebrates the richness of life in the oceans.
The Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer reaches speeds up to 50 mph. A Tennessee Aquarium naturalist points out wildlife and historic sites along the way during the tour of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Visit http://www.tnaqua.org/springbreak2010.aspx to plan Tennessee Aquarium Spring break activities.