T E N N E S S E E A Q U A R I U M L E A D I N G T H E W A Y I N F R E S H W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N RIVERWATCH QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM (cid:129) WINTER 2014 Holidays Under the Peaks Celebrate the Season NEW ON EXHIBIT: ELECTRIC EEL 4 EDUCATION ACCOLADES 6 WINTER MEMBER EVENTS 8 IMAX: TITANS OF THE ICE AGE 3D 10 LISTENING FOR LAKE STURGEON 11 TNAQUA.ORG/HOLIDAYS EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES The holiday season is special because we take some extra time to unwind and enjoy time with our families. Aquarium members know reconnecting with one another while being surrounded by schools of colorful fi sh, fl uttering butterfl ies and playful penguins and otters is truly wonderful. The Aquarium’s animal experts have programs offer more opportunities for fixtures like the Lake Sturgeon and developed a cornucopia of surprising our experts to share stories about these Stingray touch tanks, scheduled and new encounters to enhance your next creatures, making connections in ways unscheduled opportunities to touch visit. “We’re always looking for we’ve never done before.” other creatures will be offered each day. different ways to get our guests closer Aquarium visitors have long been From tide pool marine invertebrates to animals,” said Dave Collins, the delighted by the ways our staff showcas- like sea stars to the Aquarium’s chubby Aquarium’s curator of forests. “Our new es the natural behaviors of the animals Woodchuck, tactile connections help in our care. The popularity of our tem- bridge a gap between humans and porary Ranger Rick gallery was part of nature that has been widening. And, on what prompted us to investigate ways occasions when a brightly colored Corn to expand the quantity and quality of Snake is presented, even those who up-close experiences throughout both choose to look from a distance should buildings. When Aquarium experts put come away with a new appreciation for their heads together to consider the the role of scaly animals. highest potential for these experiences, Like the wonder and excitement of they developed a brilliant strategy that a wrapped holiday gift, more than two gives guests several extraordinary experi- dozen daily programs are waiting to be ences along their journey throughout discovered and treasured. Even more our freshwater and marine exhibits. will be offered in the months ahead. The Delta Country exhibit has “We’re very excited about the new NNNew hhhhollliiiddday fffun iin always been rich and immersive, but programs and reaching for that one big Downtown Chattanooga: many people might pass through with- goal,” said Collins. “Creating lasting Ice on the Landing out realizing how many fascinating experiences that help shape the lives Lace up your skates and step onto things are going on within that habitat. of our future conservationists.” an outdoor holiday ice rink under New programs will help everyone View the complete Holidays the open sky next to the Aquarium. explore this part of the Aquarium. Under the Peaks program schedule at: Open daily Nov. 28–Jan. 4 with “We recognized an opportunity to have tnaqua.org/Holidays. special themes and activities on the a staff member wade out into our pop- Keep the daily program schedule ice throughout the season. ulation of turtles to provide a guided handy each time you visit. Download Aquarium members who register tour of the Delta,” said Collins. the FREE Tennessee Aquarium app for Caroling with the Fishes will “They’ll be able to pick up a turtle and from the iTunes Store or Google Play. receive a $2 discount on Dec. 7th. have a conversation with guests who Look for SCUBA Claus making Brought to Chattanooga by will remain dry and comfortable while underwater appearances each weekend Chattanooga Presents. feeling drawn into that space.” from Nov. 22–Dec. 21. He’ll dive in www.IceOnTheLanding.com Touch programs are remarkably River Journey Saturdays at 11 a.m. and powerful. In addition to permanent Sundays at 2 p.m.  2 RIVERWATCH Holidays Under the Peaks is proudly sponsored by: RRRRRR EEEEEE BBBBBB MMMMMMM AAAAAAA BBBBB N N N NN N N HHHHHHH RIVERWATCH 3 OOOOOOO JJJJJ NEW IN RIVER JOURNEY AMPED UP ABOUT A HIGH-VOLTAGE ANIMAL BY BRAD THOMPSON, AQUARIST I have enjoyed working with some The Electric Eel has three different They are somewhat like batteries truly amazing animals since joining the electric producing organs in its body: with positively charged heads and nega- Aquarium team in 2013. I have cared the main organ, the Hunter’s organ and tively charged tails. Eel size determines for seahorses, Tigerfish and live coral. I the Sach’s organ. Thousands of cells how much voltage can be produced. have also helped feed our sea turtles, called electrocytes are stacked together Larger eels generate more volts than cuttlefish and stingrays. But, one of to form these organs. These produce smaller eels. the most fascinating animals I’ve ever two different electric organ discharges, During the dry season, these fish worked with is the Electric Eel a high voltage discharge and a low can often be found in small ponds and (Electrophorus electricus). Electric Eels voltage discharge. swamps that are very low in oxygen. are brownish in color with either an The main organ and the Hunter’s Most fish wouldn’t be able to survive orange or yellow belly. They are true organ are used to generate the high long in such environments, but Electric river giants, some growing to eight voltage discharge which can pack quite Eels are perfectly suited to live like “a feet in length. a punch. Researchers have measured fish out of water.” They are obligate air When I began researching the discharges in excess of 800 volts! That’s breathers, surfacing about every 10 min- Electric Eel, the first thing I learned about eight times the volts in a house- utes to take a breath. If denied access to really shocked me (sorry, pun intend- hold outlet. The Sach’s organ is used to the surface, Electric Eels could drown. ed). The Electric Eel is actually not an produce a low voltage discharge of Most people want to know if I’ve eel at all, it is a knifefish. It is in the approximately 10 volts. This low volt ever been shocked by our Electric Eel. family Gymnotidae, also known as the discharge is used for electrolocation. It The answer is…not yet! naked-back knifefishes. These fishes allows the eel to locate prey and to Whenever I’m cleaning or maintain- have cylindrical bodies, no dorsal fin on sense its environment. It’s a handy trick ing the eel’s habitat, I wear heavy elec- their backs and a really long anal fin for an animal with small eyes that lives trician’s gloves to insulate me from a that runs almost the entire length of in very murky water. surprise jolt. But one day while I was their underside. This long fin is used to You might be surprised to learn that reattaching a thermometer probe to the propel the fish through the water— Electric Eels control their discharges. exhibit, the eel snuck up and bit my forwards or backwards. The really cool They use varying amounts of electricity hand. Since I was wearing the heavy thing about this family of fishes though for hunting and defense. These dis- black gloves, it didn’t hurt—except my O is their ability to produce electricity, charges are very short in duration but pride. I jumped back and yelled a little T O H although only one can produce really the eel can repeat them over and over. bit. Thankfully no one was around to P K high voltage - the Electric Eel. ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! witness that “shocking” moment.  OC T S 4 RIVERWATCH SUSTAINABILITY: SERVE & PROTECT INITIATIVE SMALL BUT MIGHTY: MUSSELS, A MOVEMENT & YOU The Tennessee Aquarium recently invit- stage, they are also remarkably inexpen- seem small in the global challenge of ed renowned chefs Nico Romo and sive, easy to purchase (hint: if the shells sustainable seafood, remember that pub- Barton Seaver to share their culinary wit are closed, they are alive and safe to eat), lic demand is the driving force for res- and wisdom with supporters of our and fun to cook in restaurants and taurants and grocery stores to provide 2014 Serve & Protect event. By skillfully home kitchens alike. environmentally-friendly choices. So, blending the science of sustainable sea- Together, the French Master chef ask questions of your waitstaff about food with some savory samples on stage, and the National Geographic Fellow where fish is caught and how it is har- the two thrust into the spotlight the sur- encouraged the Aquarium crowd to vested. Look for Serve & Protect tips prising power of seemingly small things. consider how small choices from indi- throughout the Aquarium to learn more Easily overlooked, both on the viduals add up to powerful movements about your best sustainable options. shoreline and in the grocery store aisle, with broad impacts. “The value that Share the information you learn with the mighty mussel packs a powerful chefs bring to the sustainable seafood friends to impress them with your punch. In the protected New England conversation is critical,” Seaver noted knowledge. And make plans now to ecosystems where they thrive, a single with a nod to the Aquarium’s Serve & attend next year’s event on Thursday, Blue Mussel can filter 12 gallons of Protect restaurant partners. By providing September 17. You may not be able to water in a day—making them a wel- everyone with sustainable choices, our teach thousands with the wisdom you come fishery option for the American local chefs are part of the solution that gain, but your support of our only families who farm them. As chefs Romo keeps our ocean healthy. annual fundraising event can help the and Seaver demonstrated on our IMAX Likewise, while your actions may Aquarium do just that.  Chefs Nico Romo and Barton Seaver joined Chef Tamie Cook on stage for a mussel showdown. Serve & Protect is presented by: R E B M A B N H O J RIVERWATCH 5 EDUCATION MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL OF FISH R E B For some people, a journey through the M A B N Aquarium’s exhibits can feel like jumping into a H O J river of knowledge. Coming face-to-face with unusual, exotic or otherwise unseen animals encourages inquisitive minds to soak up information about the natural world. Through interesting creatures, inspiring mission and vision create an environ- the Aquarium’s educational efforts by conservation efforts and environmental ment that isn’t simply ‘taught’ but is questioning a random selection of education programming, the Aquarium ‘caught,’” noted the external team of members and visitors. They quickly immerses people in the fascinating evaluators who reviewed our Aquarium determined that the Aquarium “operates stories of life above, around and below exhibits, programs, practices and poli- primarily as a unique community learn- water’s surface. This work is at the core cies. “School classes spend time in the ing laboratory,” and noted that our edu- of our mission as an educational non- aquarium classrooms where lessons are cational impact extends far beyond our profit, and we were recently honored to presented in unbelievably creative ways, work with teachers and students. Indeed, be designated—again—as the nation’s learning and inquiry takes place, and the Aquarium strives to fulfill its educa- only aquarium-based accredited Special students return to their school class- tional mission for every member, family, Purpose School. rooms for applications to what they have tourist group, and professional organiza- Since 2001, the Aquarium has learned,” the report continues. These tion that explores our underwater world. received such designation from the words of affirmation highlight the ways Many people say that being accredit- Southern Association of Colleges and in which the Aquarium’s professional ed means that the public can expect an Schools, a regional agency of AdvancED. education staff helps teachers and stu- institution to live up to its promises. For This organization accredits more than dents leverage our underwater assets as the teachers who use us as a classroom 23,000 public and private educational an extension of their school classrooms. resource, it means they can have confi- institutions through a rigorous evalua- dence in the quality of the environmen- tion process that helps schools achieve tal education information we provide. “The ethos of the excellence through high standards, For the students who learn under our quality assurance, and continuous Tennessee Aquarium is educators’ guidance, it means our educa- improvement. To achieve accreditation, tional programs support the standards warm, welcoming, highly institutions must meet a robust set of they are already working to achieve in standards that demonstrate a positive professional, and displays school. For our members and donors, it impact on student performance and a a culture of excellence at enhances the value of your Aquarium commitment to organizational effective- experience and reaffirms your choice to all levels and in all areas.” ness. This summer, the Aquarium was invest in our work. informed that we passed the review with Everyone else who walks through —AdvancED Report flying colors and will be accredited for our doors may have no knowledge of another five years. this special distinction. As members, “The sights and sounds of the tour, During the on-site portion of their though, we hope you join us in celebrat- interaction between nature and visitor, review, the evaluation team not only met ing our accomplishments and take pride professionalism between every staff with Aquarium staff and volunteers, but in bringing your family and friends to member, and the strong belief in the they also took the opportunity to gauge see your unique “school.”  6 RIVERWATCH Share Your School With Someone You Love Is there a special teacher in your life who has impacted you or your child in an especially posi- tive way? A gift membership to the Aquarium is an excellent way to honor him or her this holiday season! Teachers across the Tennessee Valley and beyond know that learning expeditions at the Aquarium can be invalu- able as they develop classroom lesson plans, look for creative ways to meet changing stan- dards, and sometimes just to have fun. Give a teacher in your life a year’s worth of Aquarium visits, and get a gift to keep for your- self! Members who purchase a gift membership between now and December 31 will receive two IMAX vouchers for the movie of your choice*. Purchase your gift membership today at: community.tnaqua.org/teacher- gift or call our membership staff at 423-267-3474. *Feature-length films, including “The Polar Express 3D” are excluded due to licensing issues. RIVERWATCH 7 WINTER EVENTS Register online & discover newly-added events at: TNAQUA.ORG/EVENTS OR CALL 423-267-FISH (3474) FFFFOOOORRRR LLLLAAAASSSSTTTTIIIINNNNGGGG All events are held on Eastern Time. Full event details, including Non-Member pricing, are available at tnaqua.org/events-programs. There’s plenty of fun ————NNNNOOOOTTTT LLLLAAAASSSSTTTT MMMMIIIINNNNUUUUTTTTEEEE———— every day at the Tennessee Aquarium. Before your next visit, check the list of FREE GGGGIIIIFFFFTTTT----GGGGIIIIVVVVIIIINNNNGGGG:::: PROGRAMS (with your membership or paid admission) to make the most of your day of aquatic adventure: tnaqua.org/animals-exhibits/extraordinary-experiences/. MMMMEEEEMMMMBBBBEEEERRRRSSSSHHHHIIIIPPPPSSSS DECEMBER MMMMAAAAKKKKEEEE GGGGRRRREEEEAAAATTTT GGGGIIIIFFFFTTTTSSSS!!!! tnaqua.org/ 7 Caroling With the Fishes GiftMemberships Sunday (cid:129) 6:30-9PM It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and PJs & The Polar Express! 19 you’re invited to carol with the fishes! Our MEMBERSHIP galleries will be decked with sounds of the Friday (cid:129) 9:30-11:45AM Choo! Choo! All aboard the Polar Express season—including flutes, voices, strings, INFORMATION and Dan Landrum on the hammered for a trip to the North Pole! Begin winter break in a leisurely style. Dress in your dulcimer. Here’s your chance to visit with favorite pajamas and enjoy a special screen- Santa and take home some holiday goodies. DO WE HAVE YOUR Enjoy holiday shopping with special ing of The Polar Express 3D. This is your CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS? discounts and extended hours at our Gift chance to meet the Conductor, sip hot If you would like to stay on top of Shop. Coffee and cookies, gift boxes, and cocoa from Chattz on Market, and enjoy the latest Aquarium news, get shipping will be available. Traditional family brunch muffins before the movie. Fun for notifications of new events and elec- caroling with the Metro Musicians in the the entire family and all who truly believe! All ages (cid:129) $6/Member tronic renewal reminders, visit us at auditorium concludes this night of fun and community.tnaqua.org to create good cheer. your online profile. After signing up, All Ages (cid:129) FREE/Members 28 Winter Wildlife Cruise, you’ll be able to update your address, Non-Member guests: $1450/Adult; $950/Child “Eagle Eyes” access your giving history, review Sunday (cid:129) 2-4PM your membership’s expiration date Festive Wreath Workshop 14 It’s prime time to watch for the arrival of or sign up for e-newsletters. Sunday (cid:129) 2-4PM wintering Bald Eagles in our area! With the It’s not too late to decorate! Get ready for leaves fallen down and the eagle popula- PHOTO MEMBERSHIP CARDS the holidays by creating a festive wreath tion soaring up, viewing is even better on If you don’t already have your photo using a variety of evergreens, berries and the river from the vantage of the River membership card, stop by the bows. Enjoy music and spiced cider as lead Gorge Explorer’s observation deck. Bring Members’ Entrance in River Journey horticulturist Christine Bock shares her your binoculars and dress appropriately for and have your new card made on natural holiday decorating ideas. Includes an eye-full of our national mascot. Along your next visit. Bring in your old fresh greenery, artificial berries and bows. the way, we’ll discuss the wild and tumultu- membership card without the photo We encourage you to bring garden clip- ous history of this spectacular bird of prey and we will recycle it for you. pers and a glue gun if possible along with from endangered days back to its current any special bows or decorations you’d like protected status. Coupons and other dis- FOLLOW US ON to add. counts are not valid for this cruise. Presented FACEBOOK & TWITTER Adults & ages 12+ (accompanied by an by First Tennessee. Keep up with our daily postings — you adult) (cid:129) Maximum of 20; minimum of 5 All Ages (cid:129) Limited to 68 (cid:129) $24/Member can even join in the conversations! $20/Member Adult; $18/Member Child (up to age 12) Offi cial sponsor of the Tennessee Aquarium Membership Program. 8 RIVERWATCH JANUARY Homeschool Day 26 Monday Mark your calendars! Don’t miss this special Winter Wiz Kidz day of fellowship with other homeschool 9 students and their families. We are offering Friday (cid:129) Between 10AM-3PM great discounts for admission to the Here’s a fun day out before school starts Tennessee Aquarium, the IMAX Theater, back! Our special programming offers lots and the gift shops in each facility. Programs of excitement for the family. Investigate animals that climb and their habitats. will be offered in the auditorium from 11 AM O T to 3 PM, and special behind-the-scenes O Perform dissections and make discoveries. H Get hands on experience with a micro- tours will be offered just for that day. We K P scope and more of the Aquarium’s collec- will have animal encounters each hour TOC throughout the two aquarium buildings. S tion. Don’t miss this one of a kind opportu- Visit us online for pricing information. nity by registering online today! FREE for Members Scout Day 15 Valentine Sunset Cruise 31 Sunday (cid:129) 2-5PM Saturday Love is in the air, so go a little “overboard” Attention all scouts! Here’s your chance to and treat someone special to a memorable tour Chattanooga’s top attraction and enjoy experience on the Aquarium’s own “Love free special programs with Aquarium staff. Boat.” Our romantic three-hour sunset You’ll learn how to take care of penguins, cruise takes you into the gorge-ous Grand jellyfish, sharks, snakes and more! Scouts ER Canyon of Tennessee. Discover the special B must wear their uniform or sash in order to M courtship of some animals that live and A receive discounted rates. Special programs OHN B available from 10AM - 4PM. Visit us online “wloinvee,” baleoenrg a tnhde rsioveftr . dCrianskhs .b aCr oavuapiolanbsl ea fnodr J for pricing information. other discounts are not valid for this cruise. Presented by First Tennessee. Teacher Appreciation Day 17 All ages (cid:129) Limited to 67 (cid:129) $38/Member FEBRUARY Saturday Adult; $32/Member Child (up to age 12) Encourage the teachers in your life to see first-hand how they can use the Aquarium as an extension of their classroom. This day 1 Groundhog Day Pre-Party! 19 Romantic Seafood Dinner features special programming, behind-the- Friday (cid:129) 2:30-3:30PM at 1885 Restaurant scenes opportunities and all the details Here’s your chance to meet and greet Thursday (cid:129) 6-8PM needed to plan a class field trip. Teachers Chattanooga’s most famous, furriest fore- Chef Charlie Loomis of 1885 Grill will join (with proof of a current teacher ID or pay caster—Chattanooga Chuck—before his Amy Roberts, Director of Wine Sales for stub) will receive free Aquarium and IMAX® big day! You and your family will discover Horizon Distributing, to host a romantic din- admission for themselves and one guest. more about groundhogs and the prediction ner highlighting the Aquarium’s Serve & FREE for Teachers of spring. These “pre-party” festivities will Protect initiative. This 4-course dinner will Advance registration required include fun games and a one of a kind craft. be paired with select wines from the Please advise us of any known food allergies. Trinchero Family Estates and mood music Weave A Kudzu Basket! All ages (cid:129) Limited to 20; minimum 5 will make for a truly romantic evening! Full 24 (please register child only) (cid:129) $10/Member menu is available on the Events & Programs Saturday (cid:129) 12:30-4:30PM section of our website. Join Bill Haley, Aquarium Educator and Adults (cid:129) Limited to 20 (cid:129) $55/Member well-known basket weaver, in this fascinat- ing workshop! You’ll use ancient Scottish rib-construction basketry techniques to Small Fry February 24 transform the notorious kudzu vine into a Tuesday (cid:129) 10:15-11AM unique Appalachian-style egg basket. 25 Wednesday (cid:129) 10:15-11AM Materials will be provided, but please be Join Aquarium educators for the sure to bring a pair of garden clippers. EY L final week of Small Fry February! Activities Adults & ages 12+ (accompanied by AI ST are designed to excite our youngest visitors an adult) (cid:129) Limited to 17; minimum 5 D D (and their parents). Join the fun on these $30/Member TO special days to meet live animals, listen to stories, enjoy games plus simple crafts and take part in a dive show designed especially to appeal to our “small fry.” Members can guarantee their space by registering online Enjoy a meal at Big River Grille or BlueWater Grille before or in advance. after your Aquarium event. Present your Tennessee Aquarium membership card when you order to receive a discount. All ages (cid:129) FREE for Members RIVERWATCH 9 IMAX® — TITANS OF THE ICE AGE 3D CHILLING THOUGHTS ABOUT CHATTANOOGA’S PAST The next time you the Tennessee River Gorge. The fossils thunder across the giant IMAX® screen. were recovered from a cave in Hamilton “Audiences will experience the world head downstream County just a couple of miles from of these prehistoric animals with a real- downtown Chattanooga. They are now ism that only this canvas can provide,” aboard the River Gorge on display in the University of said Andy Wood, the film’s producer. Explorer, imagine what Tennessee’s McClung Museum of “The Pleistocene has been an incredibly Natural History & Culture in Knoxville. popular subject in commercial films and this valley looked like It’s likely that Saber-toothed cats, pop culture over the past decade – kids Mastodons and Wooly Mammoths also love mammoths! But the historical accu- at the end of the last once roamed the Tennessee Valley. Dr. racy has often been lacking. Titans of the Ice Age, some 10,000 Nicholas Honerkamp, UC Foundation Ice Age 3D presents a veritable depiction Professor of Anthropology, shows his of this fascinating epoch that is both to 12,000 years ago. University of Tennessee Chattanooga highly entertaining and revealing.” students a Mastodon deciduous tooth Filmmakers spent several years when discussing the last Ice Age. “This researching and scouting numerous The overall setting might have looked fossil was unearthed in Charleston, locations where Ice Age fossils have been familiar, but you would have seen very Tennessee,” said Honerkamp. “It’s possi- found in abundance. The resulting different animals along the banks of the ble that more fossil records are beneath project vividly explores the prehistoric river. One of them, the Pleistocene our feet in this area, but because we are struggles of survival. North American Jaguar, Panthera onca located within the Tennessee River val- “While we recreate early humans augusta, would have been a chilling ley any remains from that era could be and Ice Age animals in a realistic man- sight. This Pleistocene cat was 20-25 40 or more feet down.” ner, we also visit museums and Ice Age percent larger than modern jaguars, Fossil evidence from about 75 sites fossil sites like the La Brea Tar Pits in weighing nearly 500 pounds and grow- in Tennessee contained either Mastodon Los Angeles and Hot Springs, South ing to eight feet in body length. or Wooly Mammoth remains and Saber- Dakota,” said David Clark, the film’s The remains of two of these giant toothed cat fossils have been found in a director. “The film entertains by bring- jaguars were discovered in 1959 within few locations as well, most notably in ing the past Ice Age back to life, but downtown Nashville. Today the also educates as our audience will learn Nashville Predators feature the toothy much about life in the late Pleistocene prehistoric tiger as the iconic symbol of Epoch and what happened at the end their ice hockey team because of that of that period.” discovery. Titans of the Ice Age 3D runs approx- You can take a virtual trip back in imately 40 minutes and contains some time while watching Titans of the Ice Age scenes that may be intense for young 3D to see how these “mega-vertebrates” viewers. Visit tnaqua.org/IMAX for looked, and perhaps sounded like as they showtimes.  10 RIVERWATCH