Be an Aquatic Biologist at the Tennessee Aquarium

You’ll discover just what it takes to fix breakfast for thousands of animals, feed the fish, meet penguin keepers, snake and crocodile experts, shark specialists, butterfly experts and some of the Tennessee Aquarium’s most charismatic creatures.

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM AQUATIC MORNING SAFARI – Ages 5 & older
During the morning aquatic safari, guests (adventurers) will join a member of the Aquarium’s staff to experience what it’s like to be an aquatic biologist. The whole family will get a special behind-the-scenes look at the Tennessee Aquarium before it opens for the day.

A special guide will lead safari members through the food-prep kitchen in the River Journey building, the Cove Forest where they’ll check up on the playful river otters and the Delta Swamp to visit the alligators and offer breakfast to the ducks and turtles.

Venturing into the Ocean Journey building, the group will encounter the hyacinth macaws as they are prepared to go out on exhibit, find out what’s on the menu in Penguins’ Rock, watch the sharks and stingrays being fed at Shark Island and help our entomologist release newly emerged butterflies in the garden. Participants will also take home a personalized “dog” tag that identifies them as junior Tennessee Aquarium biologists.

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM AQUATIC AFTERNOON SAFARI – Ages 10 & older only
During the aquatic afternoon safari, participants will join a member of the Aquarium’s staff to experience what it’s like to be an aquatic biologist. This group will dive into the inner workings of a world-class aquarium to explore a hidden maze of pipes and pumps, discover what it takes to feed thousands of creatures and even feed a few while traveling behind the scenes in both Aquarium buildings.

The tour guide will lead the safari into the depths of the Aquarium to learn how we keep more than 1 million gallons of water clean and then inside the operation center where it’s always “all systems go.” A visit to the food-prep kitchen will shed some light on what it takes to keep thousands of different animals from penguins to jellyfish well-fed and healthy. Then head behind-the-scenes to visit the Gulf of Mexico where guests will have the chance to feed some of the hungry inhabitants. The group will also stop above the 618,000-gallon Secret Reef exhibit to get a top-side view of the aquarium’s largest sharks and maybe even the sea turtle. Participants will take home personalized “dog” tags that identify them as junior Tennessee Aquarium biologists.

• Morning tour must be reserved by 6 p.m. the night before and must be pre-paid.
• Afternoon tours can be sold until 2:30 p.m. the same day.
• All Aquatic Safari participants meet at the River Journey Member's Entrance.
• All Captain’s Safari participants meet at the Chattanooga Pier.
• All participants will receive a 10% discount in the gift shop.
• Dates available: Aquatic Safaris, March 13-April 17, Monday–Friday
• Hours: Morning Aquatic Safari: 8:45-10:15 am; Afternoon Aquatic Safari: 3-4:30 pm
• Price: Aquatic Safaris: $31 per participant (includes admission to the Tennessee Aquarium); $18 for Tennessee Aquarium Members
• Groups: Limited to 15 participants
• Reservations: Call 800/262-0695, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
• www.tnaqua.com More information about the Tennessee Aquarium

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM RIVER GORGE EXPLORER’S MORNING CAPTAIN’S RIVER SAFARI – Ages 5 & older
On the captain’s morning safari on the Tennessee River, young explorers will climb aboard the Aquarium’s new boat, the River Gorge Explorer, to meet its captains and experience what it’s like to pilot this one of a kind vessel. Participants and their family will get a special stem to stern look at the Explorer before the first cruise of the day.

The captain will begin by guiding guests through the pre-cruise checklist. They will “learn the ropes” of tying lines alongside the vessel before moving inside the cabin to study navigational charts. Once the course is plotted, everyone will climb up to the captain’s bridge for a technology briefing on all of the state-of-the-art video screens and safety devices used by the crew. Next it’s topside to “assist” the captain as he maneuvers the boat away from the Chattanooga Pier by remote-control. Then everyone can relax and enjoy a scenic and exciting adventure into Tennessee’s Grand Canyon with our naturalist. Participants will take home a “dog” tag that identifies them as a crew member of the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer.

• Dates available: Monday–Friday; March 20-April 2, 10 am-12:30 pm; April 3-17, 9:30 am-Noon.
• Price: $36 per participant (two-hour cruise); $31 for Tennessee Aquarium members
• Reservations: Call 800/262-0695, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
• More information about the Tennessee Aquarium

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM IMAX 3D® UNDERWATER ADVENTURES

A splashy new film will premiere at the IMAX 3D® Theater just in time for your Spring Break Safari! “Under the Sea 3D” transports you to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including South Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Triangle islands of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, where you will experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. Comic actor Jim Carey lends his talent to this film leading audiences on this magical undersea adventure. Also playing at IMAX: “Dolphins and Whales 3D.” www.tnaqua.org/IMAX/Imax.asp www.tnaqua.com More information about the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D® Theater

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Otters in the Cove Forest – River Journey
2. Sturgeon Touch Tank – River Journey
3. Alligators in the Delta Swamp – River Journey
4. Horace and Boris beluga sturgeon – River Journey
5. “Nemo” pop-up tank – River Journey (Seahorse gallery)
6. Shark Island touch tank – Ocean Journey
7. Butterfly Garden – Ocean Journey
8. Penguins’ Rock – Ocean Journey
9. Inside the shark cage – Ocean Journey
10. Giant spider crab pop-up tank – Ocean Journey
11. Great new photo opportunities:
12. From the observation deck aboard the Tennessee River Gorge Explorer
13. Jellies: Living Art gallery

Be an Artist on an Art Safari at the Hunter Museum of American Art

Pick up an art explorer kit and explore different works of art and the stories behind them. Discover the theatrical works of artist Lesley Dill in the new exhibition, “I Heard A Voice: The Art of Lesley Dill.”

EXPLORE ART IN A WHOLE NEW WAY
Be an art explorer at the Hunter Museum, a great place for families to play, discover and learn together. Explore the Museum’s turn-of-the-century mansion, cruise through the groovy 1970s building and enjoy amazing views of the Tennessee River from the futuristic contemporary building. As you stroll through the Hunter galleries, you’ll discover more than just great art. You’ll also catch glimpses of important people, places and events in our country’s history—like an imposing portrait of George Washington or Andy Warhol’s pop art representation of Jimmy Carter. Pick up an art explorer’s kit and get the inside scoop on different works of art and the stories behind them.

The Hunter Museum is designed for families of all kinds. Uncover hidden treasures in each gallery; visit rooms where you can read, draw or watch videos; and use computers where you can learn more about art. Stroll, skip or run in the Hunter’s Sculpture Plaza. The Hunter is a place where you can laugh, share, learn, grow, talk and have fun.

Don’t miss the Museum’s special exhibition, “I Heard a Voice:The Art of Lesley Dill.” The exhibit combines art and words in the large-scale, theatrical works of Lesley Dill. The artist’s sculptures and tapestries stem from her travels in India and her interest in Buddhism, as she uses bronze, photography, poetry, thread, wire and paper throughout her multi-layered works.

HUNTER MUSEUM ART SAFARI PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Museum admission
• A free, interactive family guide to help parents enhance their visit to the museum
  
• Dates available: Daily Now – April 19
  Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
  Price: $8 per adult; $4 per child

More information on the Hunter Museum of Art

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Money may not buy happiness, but the dancing couple in the Hunter Museum’s sculpture, “Free Money” certainly look as if they’re having a good time. Strike your own pose in front of this whimsical sculpture.
   
2. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s an art museum: the swooping curves of the Hunter Museum’s contemporary wing have been compared to bird’s wings, clouds and airplane wings. The south end of the Walnut Street Bridge is a great place to capture the unique lines of the Hunter’s newest addition.

Be a conductor at the Chattanooga Choo Choo or the Tennessee Valley Railroad

Grab your engineer cap and you can be conductor for the day! Jump aboard the authentic New Orleans Trolley and tour the Chattanooga Choo Choo, ride aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s locomotive along Missionary Ridge and even spend the night in a Victorian traincar!

CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO OVERNIGHT FAMILY PACKAGES

Break away to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn and enjoy a variety of fabulous packages with overnight accommodations, attraction tickets, and promises for lots of fun!

• CHOO CHOO CENTENNIAL PACKAGE offers one night’s accommodations, dinner in the Silver Diner Pizza Car, and breakfast in the Gardens’ Restaurant. Ride the rails on TVRM’s Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride, and visit the Choo Choo’s Model Railroad Museum. You’ll take home special memories when you depart with your centennial commemorative glasses, a Glenn Miller CD of Golden Hits, and engineer caps and Choo Choo whistles for the little ones!
  
• MOUNTAINTOP ADVENTURE takes you up (and back down) Lookout Mountain via the famous Incline Railway. Stop by Rock City and Ruby Falls to marvel at the natural wonders they display. Package also includes one night’s accommodations and tickets to the Model Railroad Display & Museum. Kids (12 & under) eat for free at the Choo Choo’s Gardens Restaurant.
  
• Staying two nights? Book the CHILDREN’S FANTASY PACKAGE and tour the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum for children, Chattanooga’s “In Your Face” Zoo and the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater. Package also includes two nights’ accommodations for two kids/two adults and tickets to the Model Railroad Display & Museum. Kids (12 & under) eat for free at the Choo Choo’s Gardens Restaurant.
  

**Children get a free Chattanooga Choo Choo train whistle when they show the Field Guide (download here). Redeem in the Depot Gift Shop.

Price: Package price varies depending on type of room booked.
Reservations: Call 800/TRACK29 or 423/266-5000. Advance reservations are recommended.

More information: www.choochoo.com

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Dome ceiling in the lobby
2. Train engine in the formal gardens (stationary car)
3. Singing servers in the Station House Restaurant
4. 1924 Trolley (before & after you take a trolley ride)
5. Lighted Choo Choo/train sign on top of the terminal station (best location for shot is from the parking garage roof)
   

TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD CONDUCTOR

Take a trip into history on a rolling time machine! When you ride a vintage train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad, you’ll experience one of the original rail lines into Chattanooga. Along the way, you’ll get to witness two unique methods of turning a train around: the better known turntable, and the way (think of doing a three-point turn with your car and you’re close). One of the highlights of the trip is riding through Missionary Ridge Tunnel, especially noted for it’s uniqueness as a horseshoe tunnel.

Missionary Ridge Local trains run daily mid-March through October and weekends only in November. Additional services offered throughout the year include Chickamauga Turn trains to Chickamauga, Georgia on summer weekends, Dixie Land Special excursions into northwest Georgia, and North Pole Limited trains during the holidays. Grand Junction Station is located near I-75, Exit 4 at the Jersey Pike exit from Highway 153.

TN VALLEY RAILROAD MISSIONARY RIDGE LOCAL PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 50-55 minute train ride
  
• Guided tour of East Chattanooga Back Shop
  
• Get to watch the turntable demonstration
  
• Children get a free Tennessee Valley Railroad souvenir when they show the Field Guide (download here)
  
• Dates available: March 7-April 19, Tuesday-Friday departures are 10:40 am & 12:05 pm; Saturday & Sunday departures are 10:40 am, 12:05 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:25 pm and 3:35 pm. Closed Easter Sunday, April 12.
• Price: $14 for adults; $8 for children ages 3-12; Free for children under 3 years old
• Reservations: Call 423-894-8028. Boards at Grand Junction Station, Cromwell Road.

More information: www.tvrail.com

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. In front of a locomotive – outside the entrance and the locomotive you will board
   
2. People boarding the train
   
3. Conductor punching ticket
   
4. Family riding the train
   
5. At the locomotive turntable

Be a Pilot House Mate aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat or the Tennessee Aquarium's River Gorge Explorer! Join the Captains and learn how they navigate the mighty Tennessee River.

You’ll be perched on the highest platform as you cruise by Lookout Mountain, under Chattanooga’s four bridges, along Chattanooga’s riverfront or through the Tennessee River Gorge.

SOUTHERN BELLE RIVERBOAT CAPTAIN
Join our Captain & crew of the Southern Belle Riverboat as we cruise the scenic Tennessee River! You’ll learn about the Cherokee Indians & Trail of Tears, Civil War battles and sites, river life along the Tennessee River, water transportation and much more. Don't miss the boat!

SOUTHERN BELLE CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Lunch Cruise: 1.5 hour cruise, fully narrated, deluxe deli buffet
  
• Dinner Cruise: 2.5 hour cruise, entertainment, full prime rib dinner
  
• Hang out with the Captain as he navigates the Tennessee River
  
• Children get a free Southern Belle Riverboat souvenir when they show the Field Guide (download here)
  

Dates cruise available: March 13 - April 1, Friday & Saturdays – Lunch & dinner
Times: Lunch/Noon-1:30 pm; Dinner/7-9:30 pm

Dates cruise available: April 1-19 – Lunch daily; dinner on Friday & Saturday nights
Times: Lunch/Noon-1:30 pm; Dinner/7-9:30 pm

Price: LUNCH: $23.50 adult, $10.50 child (3-12 years old); DINNER: $42.50 adult, $21.50 child
Reservations: Call 423/266-4488 or online at www.chattanoogariverboat.com

More information: www.chattanoogariverboat.com

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES :

1. Chattanooga’s South & North Shore riverfront areas – includes Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Pier, baseball stadium, Coolidge Park, Delta Queen Riverboat hotel
   
2. Chattanooga bridges – Walnut Street Bridge, Market Street Bridge, Veterans Bridge, Olgiati Bridge
   
3. Wildlife along Tennessee River – wildlife could include bald eagles, osprey, hawks, great blue herons
   
4. Maclellan Island – bird sanctuary
   
5. Scenic views – Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain
   

TN AQUARIUM’S RIVER GORGE EXPLORER CAPTAIN’S – Ages 5 and older
On the captain’s morning safari on the Tennessee River, young explorers will climb aboard the Aquarium’s new boat, the River Gorge Explorer, to meet its captains and experience what it’s like to pilot this one of a kind vessel. Participants and their family will get a special stem to stern look at the Explorer before the first cruise of the day.

The captain will begin by guiding guests through the pre-cruise checklist. They will “learn the ropes” of tying lines alongside the vessel before moving inside the cabin to study navigational charts. Once the course is plotted, everyone will climb up to the captain’s bridge for a technology briefing on all of the state-of-the-art video screens and safety devices used by the crew. Next it’s topside to “assist” the captain as he maneuvers the boat away from the Chattanooga Pier by remote-control. Then everyone can relax and enjoy a scenic and exciting adventure into Tennessee’s Grand Canyon with our naturalist. Participants will take home a “dog” tag that identifies them as a crew member of the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer.

TENNESSEE RIVER GORGE EXPLORER’S SAFARI INCLUDES:

• Meet the Captain
  
• Get a special stern look at the Explorer before the cruise
  
• “Dog” tag them as a crew member of the TN River Gorge Explorer
  

Dates available: Monday–Friday; March 20-April 2, 10 am-12:30 pm; April 3-17, 9:30 am-Noon.

Price: $36 per participant (two-hour cruise); $31 for Tennessee Aquarium members

Reservations: Call 800/262-0695, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm

More information: www.tnaqua.com

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES (ALL FROM OBSERVATION DECK):

1. Chattanooga’s South & North Shore riverfront areas – includes Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Pier, baseball stadium, Coolidge Park, Delta Queen Riverboat hotel
   
2. Chattanooga bridges (3 of 4)– Walnut Street Bridge, Market Street Bridge, Olgiati Bidge
   
3. Wildlife throughout the Tennessee River Gorge – wildlife could include bald eagles, osprey, hawks, great blue herons
   
4. Williams Island – archaeological site and is currently an organic farming island
   
5. Scenic views – Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, Raccoon Mountain

See all of our boating and boat tour options.

Be an adventurer like Indiana Jones on a RockQuest scavenger hunt at Rock City Gardens, high atop Lookout Mountain

The Enchanted Trail leads you to view more than 400 varieties of native plants and flowers. You’ll trek through massive rock formations formed millions of years ago and have the chance to be a rock climber on the 25-foot climbing wall.

ROCK CITY ROCKQUEST ADVENTURE
Go on a RockQuest at Rock City Gardens. Use the RockQuest guide when you begin your journey along the Enchanted Trail. You’ll see beautiful plants and flowers with more than 400 different native plant species. Then hike through massive rocks and boulders formed millions of years ago. Your RockQuest guide will help you look for clues to many of the geological wonders at Rock City. You can see seven states from Lovers Leap, be on lookout for birds and other wildlife, while maybe even spotting a gnome or two. Along the way, you’ll learn about sedimentary rocks, minerals, crystals and the forces of nature that created these unique rock formations. You can also polish your rock climbing skills on the 25-foot climbing wall. Rocky and friends will also be onsite for a visit with the kids.

Rock City Gardens is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations and panoramic views 1,700 feet above sea level. The self-guided tour along the Enchanted Trail takes you through some of the South’s most spectacular natural scenery. Rock City was voted a Top 10 Road Trip for the United States by MSN.

ROCK CITY ROCKQUEST PACKAGE FOR KIDS INCLUDES:

• RockQuest guide
• Bag of polished rocks
• One free rock climb on the 25-foot climbing wall
  

Dates available: March 13 – April 19, 2009 every day
Hours: 8:30 am– 6 pm, self-guided tour, takes about 2 hours
Price: RockQuest Adventure package for child, $13.95; $16.95 per adult (includes admission to Rock City Gardens). Adults may add $5 to ticket price to receive RockQuest package items.

More information on Rock City Gardens

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Looking at the Seven States from Lover’s Leap
   
2. Needle’s Eye passage
   
3. Fat Man’s Squeeze passage
   
4. Balancing the 1,000-ton rock
   
5. Observation point deck, with waterfall in background

Venture underground and be spelunkers on a cavern tour deep inside Lookout Mountain at Ruby Falls

Pan for gemstones, learn about rocks and geology and view the cave’s mysterious chambers and amazing rock formations - while using only the illumination from a handheld lantern or light from your very own hardhat.

RUBY FALLS BEHIND THE SCENES DAYTIME LANTERN TOUR
Be a cave explorer and journey deep underground to Ruby Falls with only the flickering light of a lantern. Experience the world in a new light during this intimate experience. You will be dazzled as your guide shares tales of folklore and history, explaining the rich geology of the Ruby Falls cave. This tour will allow you to pan for gemstones, learn about rocks and geology and explore the cave’s mysterious chambers and amazing rock formations, using only the illumination from a handheld lantern or light from your very own hardhat.

Never before have you been able to immerse yourself into such an environment. Ruby Falls turns out the lights and uses lanterns as you experience this spectacular world in a whole new sense! Experience the “total” darkness of the cave. You’ll hear stories of unexplained phenomena as you explore America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall!

A limited number of participants are allowed on each tour to make the experience more personal. Tickets are sold by reservations, but empty slots are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

RUBY FALLS SPELUNKER TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Partial lights-out Lantern Tour through a portion of the cave not usually accessible to the public
  
• Lighted tour of Ruby Falls – cave and waterfall
  
• Free miners helmet w/batteries for children
  
• Gemstone panning for children
  
• 10 % off gift and food purchases
  

Dates available: Monday-Wednesday only – March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and April 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Hours: Daytime tours start at 9 a.m. and last 2-3 hours.
Price: $20 per participant
Groups: Limited to approximately 15 participants.

Reservations: Call 423/821-2544 ext.142, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

More information on Ruby Falls

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. The waterfall
   
2. Behind the waterfall
   
3. From the top of the lookout tower – see the river, downtown Chattanooga, scenic view of valley
   
4. The Cavern Castle – building where you enter Ruby Falls
   
5. Favorite cave formations – some examples are the angel’s wings, steak and potatoes, bacon strips, dragon’s foot, etc.

Be a world traveler at the Creative Discovery Museum and see the homes of people from Mongolia, Fiji and Malaysia

Take a trip around the world and discover how geography, climate, availability of materials, lifestyle, tradition and culture all influence the kind of houses people live in.

CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM’S “YOUR HOUSE, MY HOUSE” EXHIBIT

Your House, My House is a fantastic journey into the homes of people around the world, where you’ll experience what it’s like to live and play in these different homes. We live in all kinds of structures – large houses, small houses, apartments, portable houses, and even houseboats! Explore how geography, climate, availability of materials, lifestyle, tradition and culture all influence the kind of house in which we live.

Did you know the location of your house influences what materials are used to build your house, how it is built and the ways various components of your house function? In this exhibit, three types of houses show how homes are built in different parts of the world. You’ll get to step inside and explore a: Mongolian tent house called a “ger,” a woven house called a “m’bure” from the tropics of Fiji and a stilt house from a Malaysian fishing village.

Fun activities in these settings help you make connections between how you live in your own home and how people live in these houses. In Houses, Houses Everywhere, where you can compare and contrast houses scattered all over the globe and match houses to their environments. In the Design Center, use computers, a drafting table and most importantly, your imagination to create your own dream house. Also, in the Build Your Own area, there are many different types of building materials to explore as you construct a small timber house and several tabletop house models.

ANYTIME FUN AT THE CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Creative Discovery Museum makes learning child’s play! It is the only children’s museum and science and technology center within a 100-mile radius of Chattanooga. Designed especially for children 12 years old and younger, this place is full of hands-on family fun! Whether you create a clay sculpture in Arts Alley, build a K’nex car in the Inventors’ Clubhouse, dig for dinosaur bones at Excavation Station, or put on a play in the Back Alley Theatre, this Museum has it all. RiverPlay includes a 2.5 story high climbing structure, a multi-level play-aboard river boat, and an interactive watercourse where you and your kids can sail boats, learn about locks and dams, and shoot jets of water to make whirligigs spin! The Rooftop Fun Factory takes play outside and opens it up under a big blue sky. Moms, dads and kids use simple machines disguised as huge amusements to build family fun while they enjoy sound, movement and excitement high up on the rooftop. Parents can also spend time with their toddlers in the Little Yellow House, a special play area for infants and toddlers.

Dates available to see “Your House, My House”: Now – May 31, 2009
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.; (Closed on Wednesdays January through March 5.)
Price: $9.95 per person (includes admission to the Museum)

More information on the Creative Discovery Museum

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Lookout from the Crow’s Nest – RiverPlay Exhibit
   
2. Uncovering Dinosaur Bones – Excavation Station
   
3. Climb in the Tree Trunk – Little Yellow House
   
4. Being lifted off the roof with pulleys – Rooftop Fun Factory
   
5. Seated around stove heater in the Mongolian tent house called a “ger” – Your House, My House

Be a zoologist/zookeeper at the Chattanooga Zoo

Observe some of nature’s most wild creatures from Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America. As you travel around the world, you’ll encounter chimpanzees, red pandas, snow leopards, jaguars, reptiles, a camel and many more animals in their naturalistic habitats.

CHATTANOOGA ZOO’S ZOOKEEPER SAFARI

If you would like to travel around the world in just a few hours, then the Chattanooga Zoo can take you there. You’ll get the chance to meet some of the wildest residents in Chattanooga! Enjoy the animal encounters while zookeepers feed and monitor the animals and educational programs where you’ll get to learn more about their habits and habitats.

In the African Gombe Forest and the African Aviary (also known as the Tanzanian Backyard), you’ll meet Chimpanzees, Cichlids, a Spotted Hyena and a Serval. The Asian Himalayan Passage serves as home to the red pandas, snow leopards, langurs and the highly endangered “Bali-Mynahs.” Head down to South America to see the Spider Monkeys, Jaguar, Macaws, Kinkajou and Cotton-Top Tamarins. In North America, you’ll get to see Whitetail Deer, Black-footed Prairie Dog, Wood Ducks, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, a Bobcat, Raccoons and even Cougars. Don’t be afraid when getting up close to the intriguing creatures in the Misunderstood Marvels exhibit. The snakes, lizards, geckos, pythons and spiders found here don’t deserve their bad reputation!

And a visit to the Zoo wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the Warner Park Ranch & Petting Zoo. You’ll get to feed goats, see a very large Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig, Mouflon Sheep, a Miniature Horse, a Dromedary Camel, Sicilian Donkey and don’t forget to pat Peanut Butter, the “ranch dog,” on the head! Look around and you will see tools used by ranchers and farmhands: saddles, bridles, saws, shovels, pitchforks and more.

If you haven’t been to the Zoo in a while, you’ll notice we have a new front entrance! There is also an enhanced gift shop, endangered species carousel and concessions. And remember, the entrance is now off of East 3rd Street - check our "Visitor Hours and Admission" page for new directions.

CHATTANOOGA ZOO’S ZOOKEEPER PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Map to help you navigate around the Zoo
  
• Special guided tour that leaves every hour from 10 am-3 pm. Includes stops at some of the most popular exhibits and special animal encounters (only available to guided tour participants)
  
• Kids get a free Zoo memorabilia packet, Animal Print Hat & Zoo Decal
  

Dates: March 13 – April 17, 2009

Guided tours: Only available Thursday-Sunday, 10 am-3 pm (leave every hour)
Price: $15 for adults; $8 for children ages 3-15; Free for children under 2 years old. Package/prices are not available for school trips. (Prices reflect the special spring break package. Check website for standard hours and ticket prices)

More information on the Chattanooga Zoo

FIELD GUIDE/SCRAPBOOK PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Warner Park Ranch with some of our friendly goats, sheep, and camels
   
2. Wooden Chimpanzee sculpture at the new front entrance
   
3. The big red caboose at the Cougar Express exhibit
   
4. Himalayan Passage bridge on the way to visit the Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and Langur
   
5. Front Entrance gates which feature images of the some of the Zoo's resident animals, including Hank the chimpanzee