Delta turtles
photo by John Bamber
Just in time for the holidays when extended families are looking for meaningful ways to connect with each other, the Tennessee Aquarium’s animal experts have a cornucopia of new programs to share with guests. This extra helping of immersive programs helps visitors get closer to tons of turtles, meet macaws, feed birds and discover other fascinating facts about many more creatures.
“We’re always looking for different ways to get our guests closer to animals,” said Dave Collins, the Aquarium’s curator of forests. “Our new programs offer more opportunities for our experts to share stories about these creatures, making connections in ways we’ve never done before.”
Nearly two dozen programs are offered free with Aquarium admission during Holidays Under the Peaks, which lasts through Jan. 4, 2015. The Delta Country exhibit has always been rich and immersive, but many people might pass through without realizing how many fascinating things are going on within that habitat. “We recognized an opportunity to have a staff member wade out into our population of turtles to provide a guided tour of the Delta,” said Mr. Collins. “They’ll be able to pick up a turtle and have a conversation with guests who will remain dry and comfortable while feeling drawn into that space.”
Touch programs are remarkably powerful. In addition to permanent fixtures like the Lake Sturgeon and Stingray touch tanks, scheduled and unscheduled opportunities to touch other creatures will be offered each day. From tide pool marine invertebrates like sea stars to the Aquarium’s chubby Woodchuck, tactile connections help bridge a gap between humans and nature that has been widening. And, on occasions when a brightly colored Corn Snake is presented, even those who choose to look from a distance should come away with a new appreciation for the role of scaly animals.
SCUBA Claus will once again make weekend appearances at the Tennessee Aquarium from Nov. 22 through December 21st. See the jolly old elf diving with ducks, turtles and paddlefish in the “Saint Nick-a-jack” Lake exhibit, or blowing bubbles while surrounded by giant catfish, prehistoric-looking Arapaima and huge freshwater stingrays.
View the complete Holidays Under the Peaks program schedule at: tnaqua.org/Holidays
Keep the daily program schedule handy each time you visit. Download the FREE Tennessee Aquarium app from the iTunes Store or Google Play.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Polar Express 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater. Experiencing this holiday classic on the giant six-story screen has become a tradition for many families.
Families should plan extra time to enjoy Downtown Chattanooga’s newest winter attraction, “Ice on the Landing.” A special outdoor ice rink will be set up under the open sky right next to the Aquarium. Skating begins with the grand opening on November 28th - the night of Chattanooga’s Lighted Boat Parade. Holiday skating will be available during the day or under the stars through Jan 4.
More information is available at Iceonthelanding.com Brought to the Scenic City by Chattanooga Presents.
Scuba Clause
photo by