Tag Archives: Galapagos tortoise

Longtime Annual Passholder Surprised with VIP Bravo Experience

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NEWPORT, Ky. – A longtime Newport Aquarium Annual Passholder was surprised Wednesday afternoon with an exclusive meet-and-greet with Bravo the Galapagos tortoise.

Michelle Ridder, an Annual Passholder since 2009, arrived at Newport Aquarium around 2 p.m. Upon her arrival, aquarium staff informed Ridder, who has a physical condition that requires her to be wheelchair bound, that special arrangements were made for her to go behind the scenes of the Turtle Canyon exhibit to get up and close with Bravo, who at 650 pounds is the largest turtle in the Midwest.

Michelle Ridder (center) touches the shell of Bravo the Galapagos tortoise as Newport Aquarium exhibits staffers Kevin Sommerkamp (left) and Will Gosnell (right) assist.

Michelle Ridder (center) touches Bravo the shell of Galapagos tortoise while Newport Aquarium exhibits staffers Kevin Sommerkamp (left) and Will Gosnell (right) assist.

Visiting the aquarium 3-4 times per week on average throughout the years, Ridder earned the nickname “Penguin Michelle” for her frequency of backstage Penguin Encounter purchases.

However, once Turtle Canyon opened in March 2014, Ridder developed a fondness for Bravo.

The downtown Cincinnati resident missed the opportunity to purchase the Bravo VIP Experience, which was available for during the 2014 summer.

When Newport Aquarium announced Turtle Canyon was closing March 1, Ridder made a priority to visit Bravo as possible.

Aquarium staff took notice of her interest in the massive tortoise and decided to give her a once-in-a-lifetime experience to thank her for her dedication and loyalty to Newport Aquarium.

I Heart Turtles Facebook Sweepstakes
Other guests can receive this exclusive encounter with Bravo through Newport Aquarium’s “I Heart Turtles Facebook Sweepstakes,” where one lucky guest and four of their friends will win an exclusive VIP Bravo Experience. The Facebook contest, which runs through Feb. 17, includes a prize package of five general admission tickets in addition to the private encounter with Bravo.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Newport Aquarium’s Turtle Canyon exhibit, Winter Family Days to end March 1

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Fans can enter to win an exclusive encounter with the Midwest’s largest turtle, Bravo the Galapagos tortoise, before he’s #Galapagone

NEWPORT, Ky. – The deadline for the public to visit Turtle Canyon, featuring Bravo the largest turtle in the Midwest, and take advantage of Newport Aquarium’s Winter Family Days special, when two kids get in free with each paying adult, is March 1.

Since March 2014, Bravo – a more than 85-year-old, 650-pound Galapagos tortoise – has been the star of Turtle Canyon. He is scheduled to return to his home at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C. on March 2.

Bravo, a 650-pound Galapagos tortoise, is the largest turtle in the Midwest.

Bravo, a 650-pound Galapagos tortoise, is the largest turtle in the Midwest.

In addition to Bravo, several other unique species of tortoise will be leaving Newport Aquarium once Turtle Canyon closes, including the Egyptian tortoise, the smallest tortoise species in the Northern Hemisphere.

On March 2, the facility housing Turtle Canyon will temporarily close for renovations and re-open as the all-new Canyon Falls exhibit in mid-March. Canyon Falls will feature Asian small-clawed otters, as well as two unique species of lizard – yellow monitors and panther chameleons.

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Asian small-clawed otters will return to Newport Aquarium in March.

Last Chance to Take Advantage of Winter Family Days
Newport Aquarium is entering the final stretch of Winter Family Days, when two children receive free admission* with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket.

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This family-favorite offer is available through March 1, during which time Newport Aquarium will open one hour early at 9 a.m. every Saturday and holiday weekend.

Winter Family Days tickets can be purchased at the Newport Aquarium ticket window, online at NewportAquarium.com or by phone at 800-406-FISH (3474).

I Heart Turtles Facebook Sweepstakes
To celebrate the remaining days of Turtle Canyon, Newport Aquarium is running a Facebook contest where one lucky guest and four of their friends will win an exclusive VIP Bravo Experience.

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The Facebook contest, which runs through Feb. 17, includes a prize package of five general admission tickets in addition to the private encounter with Bravo.

*This special offer cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

See Bravo the Galapagos Tortoise before He’s GalapaGONE

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Kids Get in Free during Winter Family Days, Jan. 7-March 1


NEWPORT, Ky. – The time is now to say goodbye to Bravo, the largest turtle in the Midwest, after Newport Aquarium announced Tuesday the Turtle Canyon exhibit will close March 1.

Bravo, a 650-pound Galapagos tortoise, is scheduled to return to his home at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C. on March 2.

Bravo, a 650-pound Galapagos tortoise, is the largest turtle in the Midwest.

Bravo, a 650-pound Galapagos tortoise, is the largest turtle in the Midwest.

Upon Bravo’s departure from Newport Aquarium, the Turtle Canyon exhibit will temporarily close for renovations. The greenhouse-like facility will re-open as a new exhibit in mid-March. Details will be revealed at a Jan. 14 news conference.

To coincide with Bravo’s final days in Greater Cincinnati, Newport Aquarium also announced the return of Winter Family Days, when two children are admitted FREE with each full-priced adult ticket.*

This family-favorite offer will be available from Jan. 7 through March 1, during which time the aquarium will open one hour early at 9 a.m. every Saturday and holiday weekend.

Your kids will have fun inside our 72-degree climate-controlled facility, no matter the weather outside.

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At Newport Aquarium, there is always more new to see and do:

  • Turtle Canyon – Features a diverse collection of more than 14 species of turtles that span three continents, including Bravo and Thunder, an over 100-year-old snapping turtle.
  • Surrounded by Sharks – Guests can walk through a 385,000-gallon tank filled with four rare and exotic shark rays, six species of shark, and Denver, the mischievous 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle.
  • Gator Alley – Showcasing six species of crocodilians from four continents, Gator Alley has one of the most diverse collections of crocodilian species in the country. It’s the home of Mighty Mike – who at 14-feet long and 800 pounds is the biggest and baddest alligator in the country outside of Florida, as well as Snowball and Snowflake, two of less than 100 white alligators in the world.
  • Kroger Penguin Palooza – With five different sub-Antarctic penguin species totaling 49 birds, Kroger Penguin Palooza boasts one of the most diverse collections of cold-weather penguins in the country.
  • Frog Bog – Children have never seen frogs like this before as they can find secret frog tanks visible only when they climb through tunnels and tubes in the kids-only Frog Bog jungle gym. Frog Bog is the largest exhibit of its kind in the Midwest with nearly 20 species of exotic frogs.
  • Jellyfish Gallery – With more than one hundred jellyfish on display, guests will marvel at the largest and coolest jellyfish exhibit in the Midwest.

Beginning Jan. 6, Winter Family Days tickets will be available at the Newport Aquarium ticket window, online at NewportAquarium.com or by phone at 800-406-FISH (3474).

*This special offer cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country according to USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler in 2014 and by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Newport Aquarium Celebrates 11 Million Visitors

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Pratt family surprised with VIP Bravo Encounter, Annual Passes

NEWPORT, Ky. – Newport Aquarium celebrated the 11 millionth visitor milestone Monday morning by surprising an unsuspecting family as they entered the aquarium.

Newport Aquarium staffers, including Vice President and Executive Director Eric Rose, surprised the Pratt family from of Pittsburgh, Pa., at the bottom of the front escalator with a large 11 millionth visitor banner and a meet and greet with Red Pepper the African penguin.

11millionthVisitorFamily

(L-R) Tom Pratt, Caroline Pratt, Kate Pratt, Edie English, Bella Pratt, Marcia Pratt

Tom and Marcia Pratt, along with three of their daughters – Caroline, Kate and Bella – and grandmother Edie English of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, were given complimentary Annual Passes and taken on an exclusive VIP Bravo Experience, where they met Bravo, the 650-pound Galapagos tortoise at the Turtle Canyon exhibit.

The Pratt family was taken on an exclusive VIP Bravo Experience.

The Pratt family was taken on an exclusive VIP Bravo Experience.

They were in the tri-state area to visit with a fourth daughter, Maggie, a freshman at the University of Cincinnati who is majoring in special education, and choose to visit Newport Aquarium before driving back home in the afternoon.

“We decided to visit Newport Aquarium today because it’s a unique place to see God’s creations up close,” said Tom Pratt. “We were very surprised and excited to be the 11 millionth visitors. It’s amazing that so many people have gone through to see all that’s here. It’s a great facility and a great experience.”

Today marked the second time the Pratts had visited Newport Aquarium, which celebrated its 15-year anniversary in May.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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 Newport Aquarium, the No. 1 aquarium in the country according to USA Today’s 10Best.com, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler in 2014 and by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Turtle Canyon to Open at Newport Aquarium in March 2014

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Newport Aquarium will feature three of the largest turtle species in the world

NAQ_TurtleCanyon-Poster2014

NEWPORT, Ky. – Newport Aquarium announced Tuesday, Feb. 18, the addition of Turtle Canyon, a thrilling new exhibit set to open to the public March 22, 2014.

Turtle Canyon will feature a diverse collection of more than 14 species spanning three continents. From the largest tortoise species in the world, the Galapagos tortoise, to the smallest tortoise species in the Northern Hemisphere, the Egyptian tortoise, Turtle Canyon will showcase turtles of all shapes and sizes.

Following a renovation of the Rainforest exhibit, Turtle Canyon will allow guests to view turtles up close and personal from multiple angles and vantage points. The new exhibit will include a turtle corral, which offers guests the unique opportunity to touch a variety of these adorable shelled creatures, including one of North America’s largest tortoise species, the Gopher tortoise.

Two massive turtles are set to anchor the exhibits inside Turtle Canyon, giving Newport Aquarium a total of three of the largest turtle species in the world.

Bravo is a more than 600-pound Galapagos tortoise, the largest species of land turtle in the world. (Photo courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden)

Bravo is a more than 600-pound Galapagos tortoise, the largest species of land turtle in the world. (Photo courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden)

A 118-pound alligator snapping turtle named Thunder will make his new digs at Turtle Canyon. Believed to be more than 100 years of age, Thunder is the oldest resident at Newport Aquarium.

At more than 100 years old, Thunder the alligator snapping turtle is the oldest animal at Newport Aquarium.

At more than 100 years old, Thunder the alligator snapping turtle is the oldest animal at Newport Aquarium.

Newport Aquarium mainstay Denver, the mischievous 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle with a three-foot-long shell, will continue to roam the waters of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. When he first arrived at Newport in 2003, Denver was treated for an air pocket caught under his shell that made it difficult for him to dive and swim. Now completely healed, Denver serves as the aquarium’s ambassador to its sea turtle conservation efforts.

Denver, our nearly 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle, serves an ambassador to Newport Aquarium's sea turtle conservation efforts.

Denver, our nearly 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle, serves an ambassador to Newport Aquarium’s sea turtle conservation efforts.

The newest member of the aquarium’s turtle family is a sixth-month-old, 1.9-pound loggerhead who was put on display at the Shore Gallery exhibit on Tuesday. After hatching in August at Emerald Isle, N.C., this female loggerhead has been fostered by the Newport Aquarium husbandry staff since late October. Her journey of survival has been documented on Newport Aquarium’s official blog, aquariumworks.org.

Newport Aquarium needs your help naming its young loggerhead sea turtle. Fans can vote on Newport Aquarium's Facebook page from Feb. 18-24, 2014.

Newport Aquarium needs your help naming its young loggerhead sea turtle. Fans can vote on Newport Aquarium’s Facebook page from Feb. 18-24, 2014.

Fans can help name this young loggerhead by voting on Newport Aquarium’s Facebook page. Voting begins Feb. 18 and runs through Feb. 24.

For more information on Turtle Canyon, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474). Visit the aquarium’s Facebook page for #TurtleTuesday posts.

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Newport Aquarium, the No. 1 aquarium in the country according to USA Today’s 10Best.com, showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water. Named a 2013 top U.S. aquarium by Travel Channel, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444 | www.newportaquarium.com