Tennessee Aquarium Newsroom

contact: Kathie Fulgham
at 423-785-3007

Flock to the IMAX to meet the first man to fly with birds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 3, 2006) – A man in an ultra-light aircraft leading a flock of geese. The silhouette in the sky is familiar to most – especially if you saw the hit movie “Fly Away Home.” The man, Bill Lishman, became the first human to fly with birds. This artist-turned-biologist led a small flock of Canadian geese from Ontario to Virginia. The unassisted return migration of these geese the following spring garnered world-wide attention.

Whooping cranes were so near extinction hope for their survival was nearly lost. Like many birds, whooping cranes learn their migration route by following their parents. Guiding the cranes in flight, Lishman became the endangered birds’ parent.

Meet the man who spearheaded the reintroduction of the world's most endangered cranes and see the IMAX 3D film he stars in, “The Last Buffalo,” on Sunday, Oct. 15, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Cost is $20 with proceeds donated to Operation Migration. Call 267-3474 to register for an “Evening with Bill Lishman, Conservationist, Artist and Actor” at the IMAX 3D Theater.

“The message is inspirational,” said Betty Miles, Aquarium events coordinator. “The movie is breathtaking. And the man and his mission are unforgettable.”

In “The Last Buffalo” Lishman stars as a brilliant sculptor who creates a life-sized buffalo from molten iron. The film depicts the fragility of earth’s wildlife and the need for protected wilderness.

Following the film will be a reception in the IMAX lobby with desserts by 212 Market Restaurant.

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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $17.95 per adult and $9.50 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $7.95 per adult and $5.50 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $22.95 for adults and $13.50 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities. Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call 267-FISH to join.