When I was small, I would always tell my.father, "I want to swim like a fish." As I got older I told my uncle who had a fishing boat, I wanted to fish for the big ones, so he took me fishing. We fished a lot. Knowing how to swim comes in handy if the big one pulls you out of the boat. My Uncle Jackie always seemed to know where the “BIG” fish were hiding. I was about 10 years old when I asked him, "Do you think this boat will run forever?" It was something we both endlessly enjoyed. The things you remember in your youth.
Today, it was a typical fall day in October, actually my birthday. So in the midday after enjoying a quick lunch downtown at one of my favorite places, Big River Grill, (I think it’s also funny Big River is next to the Bluewater Grille), the idea occurred to me to visit the Tennessee Aquarium on Chattanooga’s waterfront.
It has been several years since I walked through with some friends and it was before Ocean Journey. I brought my camera along to see what would see me. I wanted a childlike experience, seeing some exhibits for the first time up close nose to nose and lips to lips with these water-borne celebrities. The Aquarium is first class and is recognized around the world, also it is one of many ranked largest attractions among tourists. The details of the living environments of each exhibit is beyond perfection. Seeing each live exhibit gave a sense of calmness and relaxing. I overheard a couple of kids tell their parents seeing it for the first time that it was like going to the zoo but even better - an underwater zoo. It made me smile.
Thom Benson and I discussed a couple of education and hands on programs. Thom Benson, well-known Chattanooga personality, is the Senior Marketing and Communications manager. We talked about the fall and winter educational programs including the Extraordinary Experiences and Small Mini-Fry Programs. We both agreed there are so much Chattanooga offers and it is centered in the downtown Entertainment, Art & Music district that extends from South to North Market Street. There is so much diversity in the entertainment - Lookouts games, a movie theatre, rock climbing wall, the IMAX, Walnut Street Bridge, pets walking park, the waterfront Coolidge Park, and the fabulous Tennessee Aquarium. Thom says, a great deal more people are taking the annual memberships to gain more access to the Journeys. Some arrive on their lunch hour for quick visits.
The free programs included are hands on and educational. I was most impressed with the importune secret dive interaction with the families who stopped for the experience of watching and talking to the divers while huge sea turtles and sharks were swimming around their heads...eight sharks total. The photos presented only capture some of the highlights, it’s impossible to illustrate the enjoyment to view a few pictures. More schools in the Tri-State region are including the tour of the Aquarium as part of their learning enrichment programs. I followed along behind a couple of (tourist) families too. Elementary school age children were unloading from a school bus and lining up to enter River Journey as I departed the Ocean journey. Everyone I met on my journey was smiling…seems it’s true the Aquarium is a happy place… excitement to see so many water-bound creatures lurking in one building….to another.
Where I started...beginning in River Journey to meet a screech owl. The butterflies are something you should never fail to experience. Watch out for hitchhikers as you exit the room. Just around the corner you’ll find another expert who has to keep pace with a rowdy group of otters. After exploring all of the River Journey galleries, dive into the saltwater exhibits in the Ocean Journey building. Meet the Macaws as they begin their day in the Tropical Cove. Then head to the sub-Antarctic realm of Penguins’ Rock to learn about our Gentoos and Macaronis. Chat with SCUBA divers before enjoying lunch at one of Chattanooga’s nearby restaurants. Catch up with our penguin keeper as they feed these playful swimmers. While taking time to answer questions while surrounded by Gentoo and Macaroni penguins. There are so many different it is impossible to name them or illustrate by photos…it is an experience you must see for yourself. The programs are enjoyed for visitors of every age,
Extraordinary Experiences (http://www.tnaqua.org/animals-exhibits/extraordinary-experiences )
Every day Aquarium experts look forward to sharing their passion and excitement for the amazing animals in their care.
Bring your sense of adventure as you explore both of our buildings. You’ll discover cool creatures around every corner while learning fascinating facts you’ll want to share with others. And, we think you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural treasures that enrich our world. Enjoy these programs and more offered FREE each day with Aquarium admission.
Meet the Macaws - These sassy Brazilian birds are guest favorites. Our aviculturist has some fun facts about their peculiar parrot personas.
10:15am, 2pm, 4pm – Ocean Journey Level 4 (Tropical Cove)
Otter Keeper Talk – North American River Otters are furry, feisty and fun. Meet the experts who have to keep up with their high-energy antics.
10:30am, Noon, 2pm & 4:45pm – River Journey Level 4 (Cove Forest)
Butterfly Release – Help release newly emerged butterflies into a tropical habitat.
11am – Ocean Journey Level 4 (Butterfly Garden)
Tropical Bird Feeding – Our Crested Wood Partridges seem to appear from a thick jungle for a meal.
11am – Ocean Journey Level 4 (Butterfly Garden)
Penguin Keeper Talks – Ask an expert about our playful Gentoo and Macaroni penguins.
10:30am & 1:30pm – Ocean Journey Level 2 (Penguins’ Rock)
Delta Bird Program – Help feed the birds of the Delta Country while discovering facts about their hidden lives.
11am & 2pm – River Journey Level 3 (Delta Country)
Secret Reef Dive Shows – Our intrepid SCUBA divers answer your questions while surrounded by sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and dazzling schools of reef fish.
11am, 11:30am, 2pm & 2:30pm - Ocean Journey Level 2 (Secret Reef near Boneless Beauties)
Swamped with Turtles – An Aquarium expert wades amidst a pack of turtles while serving up fast facts about these long-lived animals.
11:30am & 2:30pm – River Journey Level 3 (Delta Country)
Screech Owl Program – Meet a wide-eyed creature that may live in your backyard. You’ll feel wiser after this daylight encounter with this nocturnal bird.
11:45am – River Journey Level 4 (Cove Forest)
Opossum Program – An Aquarium expert introduces you to this somewhat mysterious and misunderstood marsupial. See it in the natural surroundings of the Cove Forest.
12:45pm – River Journey Level 4 (Cove Forest)
Also another program to check out is the Small Fry Mini Programs (http://www.tnaqua.org/events-programs/small-fry-mini-programs)
Looking for some fun and interesting indoor things to do with your little ones during one of the coldest months of the year?
Come join us at the Tennessee Aquarium on selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Small Fry Mini-Programs! Drop in between 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to participate in exciting activities designed to appeal to 2 - 5 year olds (and their parents). On these special days, we will visit galleries, meet live animals, play games, listen to stories and make simple crafts. Programs will take place on the A level of the River Journey building and will be FREE with admission. Thom said more events are schedule now into February.
2014 Small Fry Dates and Themes:
November 4 & 5 - Butterflies
November 11 & 12 - Penguins
November 18 & 19 - Turtles
December 2 & 3 - Snakes
December 9 & 10 - Lizards
December 16 & 17 – Gifts for Animals
I walked away from both the River and Ocean journeys feeling even more connected to what we cannot see looking down at the River from the Walnut Street Bridge or the Bay Bridge at Orange Beach. If you are looking for a great place to visit during the winter months, come on to the Tennessee Aquarium and go down under the Tennessee River and then take the Ocean Journey.
More information about the programs and schedules provided at the web sitewww.tnaqua.org
---
Mark A Herndon, certified professional geologist and professional photographer grew up in Chattanooga area, graduated from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. He is the Entertainment and Chattanooga cityscape/event photographer affiliated with Chattanoogan.com and contributor to several magazines, venues and Friends of the Festival events. Check his pages on Facebook as Lasting Visions Studio and Chattanooga Live Music (Scene) Email at; MAHerndon@ChattanoogaLiveMusic.com