Auction Benefiting Tennessee Aquarium Offers Animal-Care Experiences, Behind-The-Scenes Opportunities

  • Tuesday, May 5, 2020
  • Casey Phillips

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to feed a penguin, train an otter or cook for a shark? Does the prospect of donning waders and sloshing through streams in the name of science make your stomach flutter with excitement?

If so, an ongoing silent auction benefiting the Tennessee Aquarium offers up dozens of one-of-a-kind items and special experiences that will satisfy your curiosity and provide financial support to a Chattanooga institution during the ongoing health crisis.

The online auction will continue through May 21 at 32auctions.com/TNAquarium. Participants can bid on a collection of 58 items, including hand-made crafts, photographs and paintings produced by Aquarium staff and volunteers as well as unique opportunities to take part in animal care behind the scenes.

Some of the available items include:

A private dinner for up to eight prepared by St. John’s Restaurant executive chef Rebecca Barron and served in the Ocean Journey building

Meet and interact with a Giant Pacific Octopus

Assist with lemur, penguin or otter care

After-hours guided Aquarium tour and beer tasting hosted by Naked River Brewing

Sleepover and birthday overnights in the Ocean Journey building, including after-hours guided tour and on-site meal

Field trips to conduct hands-on science alongside Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute biologists

One-of-a-kind artwork created by Aquarium animals

The goal for this auction is to raise $20,000, which will support the Aquarium’s Emergency Operations Fund. This account was established to support ongoing operational costs, including animal care, during the Aquarium’s prolonged closure to visitors.

In addition to its own auction, the Aquarium has also provided items and experiences for a community-wide auction hosted by the Chattanooga Tourism Company. Companies whose goods and services are available in the “We Love Chattanooga” auction will receive all proceeds from winning bids. The CTC’s auction will be open until 6 p.m. on May 12 at 32auctions.com/welovechattanooga.

Travel
DeSoto State Park Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon For Upgraded Pool Facility
  • 7/2/2025

Local leaders gathered to celebrate the construction of a new pool house facility at DeSoto State Park. Local government and tourism officials joined State Parks personnel to cut a ceremonial ... more

Tennessee Aquarium Welcomes Newest Penguin Chick Just In Time For The 4th
  • 6/30/2025

A fluffy, impossibly cute addition to the Tennessee Aquarium’s penguin colony has waddled into view just in time for Fourth of July weekend. The adorable — and currently unnamed ... more

Lake Winnepesaukah Continues Centennial Celebration With Ramped Up Fireworks And Synchronized Music Display On July 4
  • 6/26/2025

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park will continue its centennial celebration with a fireworks extravaganza on July 4, at 10 p.m. Lake Winnie has annually celebrated Independence Day with fireworks ... more