The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., welcomed its 27 millionth guest on 6 March. Alisha Smith from Harmony, N.C., entered the doors to the River Journey building with her family when she was surprised with a collection of gifts. Smith was given a Chattanooga Tourism Company VIP pass to more than a dozen area attractions, a free one-night stay at the Springhill Suites Hotel, a prize package from the Aquarium gift shop, and a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquarium.
The Aquarium’s new Ridges to Rivers gallery draws in guests by offering families the chance to explore the Southeast’s “underwater rainforest” through multisensory exhibits showcasing the vibrant, unparalleled diversity of aquatic life found in the region’s streams and rivers.
“Our guests have been thrilled to experience Ridges to Rivers,” said the Aquarium’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith Sanford. “It’s wonderful to see so many people lighting up with excitement while touching a lake sturgeon, experiencing an indoor ‘thunderstorm’ or popping up inside an exhibit filled with colorful sunfishes.”
Welcoming the Tennessee Aquarium’s 27 millionth guest is a sign that Chattanooga remains a top destination for families during spring break and throughout the year.
Photo Credit: © Tennessee Aquarium
Edited by Sarah Gilsoul, a writer and communications program assistant at AZA
Back to All Stories