Flames threaten to engulf the aquarium: Fire surrounds Ripley's Aquarium, thousands of animals left behind
"UPDATE: Gatlinburg officials say the Ripley's Aquarium is intact and generator power was used to keep the animals safe during the fire"
Has anyone been here recently? I am heading over to Gatlinburg in May and might stop here if it is worth it.
It's worth it if you're seeking the full Gatlingburg experience and combining your visit with other nearby attractions. The aquarium alone? No, it is not worth the price, and every attraction has little to offer - with the exception of the ray and shark tanks. If I had to re-put together my list of favorite zoos and aquariums list, it would almost be last.
Hmm, I might skip it then. Being from Florida, I have done similar things as the mini golf, fun houses and Ripley's "museum" a few times already. We are also members at the Florida Aquarium...thanks for the tips.
It really depends what you mean by "worth it". I thought it was a really well-done aquarium and it had plenty of fish I hadn't seen, or hadn't seen it a long time. I haven't been to anywhere in FL but I visit the National Aquarium every other year and have visited a bunch of others in the last couple of years.
I suppose it's cost, time, collection, and design. The major aquariums that I've been to are the Florida Aquarium, Long Island Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific, Monterey Bay, and Audubon. But it's been a few years for all of those except Florida and Long Island. Design is one of my favorite aspects of zoos and aquariums.
Sand Tiger shark F1 has been euthanized due to lack of eating and other issues related to severe kyphosis.
2022 News: On August 10th, it was reported that the aquarium acquired a (0.0.1) American (orange) lobster named Biscuit from a Red Lobster restaurant in Mississippi which is now on exhibit. Cheddar and Biscuit: 2nd rare orange lobster rescued by Red Lobster On November 9th, it was reported that a (1.0) African penguin hatched in September. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies welcomes baby penguin
On April 12th, 2023, it was announced that the aquarium acquired a (1.0) African penguin named Benny from Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. You know the party is about to begin when you see our penguins roll up! Make sure to go and SEA Benny in his new home at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies! | Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach | Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach · Original audio
