News Summary
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is welcoming new residents this summer, including a pair of lemurs and a relocated octopus. The 2-year-old female red-collared brown lemur, Kintana, has arrived from the Dallas Zoo and will bond with current resident John in the Lemur Forest. Additionally, the Giant Pacific Octopus has moved to the Island Life Gallery for improved visibility. The aquarium continues to attract visitors, significant recent awards highlighting its excellence in animal care and visitor engagement.
Chattanooga Welcomes New Animal Residents at Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is undergoing exciting changes this summer with the introduction of a new pair of lemurs and the relocation of a popular octopus. The aquarium is enhancing its exhibits, and the latest arrivals are expected to captivate visitors while fostering a healthy habitat for the animals.
Kintana, a two-year-old female Red-collared Brown Lemur, has made her debut after arriving from the Dallas Zoo. She will join the aquarium’s resident lemur, John, in the Lemur Forest. Initial interactions between John and Kintana showed promising signs of companionship, such as social grooming behaviors, suggesting a strong bond is forming quickly.
In addition to the new lemur introduction, the Giant Pacific Octopus has relocated to the Island Life Gallery. This move is designed to provide better visibility for visitors, allowing them to witness the octopus’s remarkable color-changing abilities up close. The octopus is provided with regular enrichment activities, engaging its highly intelligent nature in a stimulating environment.
Tennessee Aquarium Continues to Shine
In a noteworthy achievement, the Tennessee Aquarium has been recognized as the 6th best aquarium in the 2025 Readers’ Choice 10Best Awards by USA Today. This ranking is based on a combination of expert nominations and votes from readers, highlighting the aquarium’s appeal among national attractions.
The Tennessee Aquarium has held its animal care accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for an impressive 32 years, affirming its commitment to high standards of animal welfare and education. The aquarium features 14 different exhibits that focus on a range of ecosystems, including both oceanic and river environments, thus providing a comprehensive view of aquatic life.
Engaging Activities for All Ages
Visitors to the Tennessee Aquarium can enjoy various activities, including films in the aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater. Currently, audiences can watch “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Additionally, the aquarium promotes ongoing learning and engagement through its podcast, “The Podcast Aquatic,” available on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Tickets for the aquarium start at approximately $40 for adults and $30 for children, providing a cost-effective option for families and individuals looking to experience the wonders of aquatic life. With its diverse exhibits and ongoing recognition, the Tennessee Aquarium continues to draw crowds, attracting both local residents and tourists alike.
Peer Recognition in Regional Aquariums
In the same USA Today list, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies located in Gatlinburg earned the title of the 2nd best aquarium. Both aquariums, though situated far from the ocean, are celebrated for their exceptional displays of marine and river life. This recognition speaks to their dedication to offering immersive experiences that educate the public about aquatic ecosystems.
For visitors seeking outdoor activities, the nearby Porters Creek Trail holds high ratings for hiking, providing beautiful views of the surrounding nature as a perfect complement to a visit to either aquarium.
As the Tennessee Aquarium continues to evolve with new animal residents and engaging exhibits, it stands out as a key player in the conservation and education of aquatic life in the southeastern United States.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Chattanoogan
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Aquarium
- Weather.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Aquarium
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
