In a news release, Millard stated that the Tennessee River Valley is the world’s most biodiverse region for freshwater mussels, adding that they are a part of our past. People have used mussels in one form or another for as long as they have lived in this region. Even people in the modern era probably have tales of their parents or grandparents using mussels for a variety of purposes over the years.
If you don’t think mussels are a big enough issue, the newest addition to the aquarium is already making waves on social media: a new penguin chick that was born on May 29 at the Penguin’s Rock exhibit.
Just in time for this year’s July 4th, the newborn Gentoo penguin was first shown to aquarium visitors, and it has since gained a reputation.
According to a news release from Loribeth Lee, assistant curator of forests, “the chick is very vocal.” There is a lot of commotion, and it tries to slap with its flippers and shriek and scream without hesitation.
Visitors can now see the penguins being fed every morning and afternoon as part of the aquarium’s daily scheduled gallery programming. Other activities give visitors the chance to talk about insects with Butterfly Garden experts, talk about their trade with the aquarium’s maintenance divers, and talk about swamp life with educators at the Delta County exhibit. Additionally, you may pet sturgeons and stingrays and watch divers feed river monsters.
Visittnaqua.org/plan-a-visit/programs to view the most recent schedule of programming.
Otters, turtles and butterflies
River Journey and Ocean Journey are the two main sections of the Tennessee Aquarium. From River Giants to River Otter Falls, there are seven galleries of animals in the River Journey part. After seeing the freshwater exhibits, guests can enter Ocean Journey to view six additional galleries, including the Secret Reef, which is home to sand tiger sharks and sea turtles. Make sure to stop by the butterfly garden while you’re there. Visit tnaqua.org/explore for details on all the galleries and all the animals on display.
When guests feel hungry, there is a refreshment facility close to the River Journey Gift Shop. Before watching a nature program, visitors can also purchase food and beverages at the aquarium’s IMAX 3D cinema concession stand.
Places to stay
Among Chattanooga’s many hotel alternatives, the Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo could be the most interesting location to stay. The hotel converted 25 restored carriages from the 1920s and 1960s into rooms in honor of train heritage. The finest aspect? The aquarium is less than two miles away by car from the hotel.
If you think that spending the night on a train car might ruin your trip, the Tennessee Aquarium has agreements with a number of hotels in the area.One of the nearest is the Edwin Hotel, which is just a quarter mile away. The Read House, which has a classic 20s design, is also nearby—less than a mile.
Visit visittnaqua.org/plan-a-visit/hotels to get the complete list of participating hotels.
Aquarium in Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402; One Broad St.
(800) 262-0695
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the last admission time is 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Friday (last admission at 6 p.m.) On Saturday
Adult admission is $39.95, while children aged 5 to 17 enter for $29.95. Children under five enter free of charge. There are also memberships available, with prices ranging from $135 to $275. Visittnaqua.org/plan-a-visit to purchase tickets.
