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Tennessee Aquarium Keeper Kids

2/24/2010 1:12:18 PM

Keeper Kids Spring Break at the Tennessee Aquarium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  Contact: Thom Benson 423-785-3007

 

New Animal Adventures Added Free with Aquarium Admission

Chattanooga, Tenn. (January, 29 2010) - To introduce budding young scientists to the amazing world of biology, the Tennessee Aquarium will offer the chance to become “Keeper Kids” this spring, March 13-21 and April 3-11. Keeper Kids and their families will go behind the scenes to learn what it takes to care for playful penguins, feisty otters, beautiful butterflies and thousands of fish ranging from topminnows to toothy sharks.

Get this – according to a 2009 CNBC report, the top three jobs in America are Mathematician, Actuary and Statistician. No disrespect to anyone who makes a living in those fields, but when was the last time someone begged to job shadow an actuary?

Biologist was number four on this list, which is awesome. But if “cool factor” was part of the methodology used in researching America’s top jobs, then we think biologist would be numero uno - hands down.

Keeper Kids will be excited to help Tennessee Aquarium biologists and educators feed fierce barracudas, examine animals or experience many other hands-on tasks.

During spring break, keeper kids will be given a list of their “duties” and a daily report form to fill out as they tour River Journey and Ocean Journey. Along the way, Keeper Kids and their families will be able to sign up for two special experiences on a first-come, first-served basis at guest services stations in both buildings.

 

These fun-filled activities will be available at various times throughout the day:

Ocean Journey Keeper Kids experiences:
-   release butterflies
-   feed partridges and Palawan peacock pheasant
-   prep food for the Ray Buffet and feed stingrays
-   make enrichment items for the hyacinth macaws
-   go behind the scenes with scuba divers
-   help feed some of the animals in the Secret Reef
-   record penguin observations behind the scenes
-   act as a “scuba buddy” during a gear check and demonstration

River Journey Keeper Kids experiences:
-   feed the otters
-   feed trout
-   observe an animal encounters training session
-   explore a hidden maze of pipes and pumps
-   help the Aquarium veterinarian
-   delve into a working biology research lab
-   assist with sea turtle enrichment
-   help feed animals in the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Nickajack exhibit
-   prepare an essential dietary supplement for aquatic species
-   feed turtles in the Delta Swamp


With so many options, Keeper Kids might want to make more than one Spring Break visit to the Tennessee Aquarium. But you won’t need a mathematician to calculate the cost. The Keeper Kids activities will be offered free with Aquarium admission.

Spring break will be out of this world at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. Hubble 3D will fill the giant six-story screen with spectacular images of the cosmos when the film premiers at IMAX on Friday, March 19, 2010.

Through the power of IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.

Visitors can also dive into Wild Ocean 3D at IMAX during spring break. This action-packed, inspirational film transports audiences to the waters off Wild Coast in South Africa. Viewers will come face to face with billions of sardines and the acrobatic animals that feed upon them. From bottlenose dolphins to seals, penguins, diving birds, sharks and whales join in the feeding frenzy. The 3D experience places audiences in the middle of this incredible natural event where it’s EAT – or get eaten.

Selected by Earthwatch Institute as Film of the Year for 2009, Wild Ocean 3D is a timely and uplifting film that celebrates the richness of life in our oceans.