NEW Ring of Fire Exhibit Coming to Newport Aquarium in March

Posted on November 3, 2017 by NewportAquarium

NEWPORT, Ky. — Ring of Fire, an all-new immersive exhibit will open this spring. The exhibit will highlight the mysterious creatures that make their home along The Ring of Fire where towering volcanoes and deep ocean trenches line the Pacific Ocean rim.

Guests will explore the new space filled with some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean, the Giant Pacific Octopus, Moon Jellyfish and Japanese Spider Crabs. They will discover their amazing shape-shifting, color-changing, exoskeleton-shedding behaviors that all take place in this constantly changing ecosystem, where fire meets water.

“The ecology and the biology around the Ring of Fire is one of the most intriguing elements of the oceans,” said Eric Rose, Newport Aquarium Executive Director. “It’s fascinating how awesome Mother Nature and the ocean are to have animals that thrive in that turbulent environment.”

The new exhibit will be unlike any that has come before, complete with unique light and sound effects. Inspired by the volcanoes and earthquakes that define the Ring of Fire, guests will experience a periodic display of glowing light and rumbling sound. The fun show element is a reminder for guests of the churning seismic activity that created the rippling sea floor, caves and other rock formations where amazing creatures like the Giant Pacific Octopus live.

Ring of Fire will feature three zones within the space where guests can explore each specific species:

Giant Pacific Octopus: After witnessing the unusual characteristics of the Giant Pacific Octopus, like their ability to camouflage and change shape, guests will get to explore the Octopus Den. An arched rock portal invites guests into this cave-like new space never before accessible to the public. There, they will learn more about this highly intelligent species through videos and interactives.

Moon Jellyfish: An all-new custom built display of Moon Jellyfish will showcase hundreds of the animals as they float and flutter. The picture window display starts just inches off the ground so both little kids and grownups can take in the mesmerizing view.

Japanese Spider Crabs: The spider crabs will be featured in a cylindrical tank where guests can watch them explore their surroundings with a 360-degree view. Wall graphics showing the full size of the species will serve as a fun photo op next to a man-size crab as they can reach up to 12 feet claw to claw in the wild.

Annual Pass Deal:
From November 1 to December 31, Newport Aquarium is offering Annual Passes on a “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” sale. Annual Passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so guests can use them now to experience Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa and into next year, including a VIP Passholder-only preview party for the opening of Ring of Fire.

The new exhibit will be open by Spring Break, so the first guests will be able to explore the Ring of Fire in March 2018. To learn more about The Ring of Fire exhibit and the animals, visit NewportAquarium.com or call 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, named one of the top 10 U.S. aquariums in 2017 by USA Today’s 10Best.com, one of the top U.S. aquariums in 2016 by Leisure Group Travel, and 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.

Newport Aquarium offers free admission to veterans and active military Nov. 5 – 13

Posted on November 2, 2016 by NewportAquarium

Sponsored by Humana

Veterans Get Free Admission!

Newport Aquarium and Humana are honoring all the men and women who’ve served our country and are currently serving, by offering them free admission from November 5th to 13th. If you’re an active or retired member of the military, a disabled veterans, military reservist, or anyone who has ever served in the Armed Forces, just show your Military I.D.* at the Newport Aquarium ticket window to receive your free admission.

Military Discount for Family Members

Family members can receive our military discount of $3 off adult tickets and $2 off child tickets.

Free Gift and Reserved seating for Veterans

Newport Aquarium and Humana would like to present each Veteran with a special patriotic pin to show our appreciation for your service. Veterans wearing the pin can take advantage of reserved front row seating with their families during shows, feeds and talks.

Other special discounts for pin wearing Veterans:

20% discount in Sharky’s Café, plus $1 hot dogs
20% discount at the Gift Shop
20% discount on Backstage Animal Experiences Friday – Sunday (space is limited)
20% discount on Penguin Encounters Friday – Sunday (space is limited)
20% discount at Sweet Dreams Candy Company at Newport on the Levee
20% discount at the Newport on the Levee Welcome Center

*To receive free admission you can show a Military I.D. card, VA membership or healthcare card, a state verified veteran status logo on your driver’s license or state I.D., discharge papers or any other proof of military service.

Thank you for your service to our country!

Spring Forward, Lights Off! Cold Weather Penguins Gearing Up for Spring

Posted on March 11, 2016 by NewportAquarium

By Megan Gregory, PR Aide at Newport Aquarium

As we prepare to set our clocks forward one hour this spring, the Antarctic is preparing to enter winter and say goodbye to the sun.

The Antarctic is on an opposite schedule than the United States. As things get warmer for us, things are vastly getting colder in the South Pole.

Because the earth’s axis is tilted, the Antarctic only has two seasons: Summer and winter. During their summer (Late October through Mid-March) the sun doesn’t fully set while in the winter (Mid-March through Late October) the sun doesn’t rise.

How do we keep our penguins on this cycle?

The lights inside of the exhibit are slightly adjusted each week to mimic the lights of Antarctica. This helps keep the penguins in their natural cycle and exposed to a consistent photoperiod as if they were in the South Pole.

Why is it important to the penguins on this cycle?

It keeps the penguins on their natural cycle by promoting proper breeding and molting cycles. While penguins have reproduced under the care of institutions that chose to use an ON/OFF switch for their lights instead of mimicking the lighting schedules, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) reported enhanced reproductive success with varying annual day length and light intensity.

Ric Urban, Newport Aquarium’s Chief Conservation Officer and a member of the AZA’s Penguin Taxon Advisory Group Steering Committee, said that this also helps the penguins if they’re moved to a new AZA-Accredited institution. It keeps continuity with the penguin and creates a shorter adjustment period inside their new home.

If Newport Aquarium follows the seasons, will guests be able to see the penguins?

Absolutely! We still have lights on in the exhibits which usually start to dim toward the evening hours, around Newport Aquarium closing time. And like Newport Aquarium, most institutions don’t just mimic sunlight, but also moonlight! The illumination is still bright enough for guests to see our penguins waddling and swimming inside.

Guests can see one of the most diverse collections of cold weather penguins at Kroger Penguin Palooza 365 days a year! At Newport Aquarium, we have five species of cold weather penguins under our care: Chinstrap, Gentoo, King, Macaroni, and Southern Rockhopper. Guests can also see our African Penguins with our Penguin Encounter, an additional 20-minute experience inside the penguin house where you can get close and maybe touch one!

Leap Day 2016, Celebrating and Saving the Frogs

Posted on February 29, 2016 by NewportAquarium

By Megan Gregory, Newport Aquarium Public Relations Aide

While Leap Day’s true purpose is to keep the year aligned with the seasons, animal lovers across the globe are using it to celebrate the world’s best leapers, FROGS!

We can find our leaping friends around the world on every continent except Antarctica. The Romans believed frogs brought good luck into their homes while the native Aborigines of Australia thought frogs brought rain, which would help their plants grow. Now a days, they can be found close to water areas like ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes.

Frogs are a member of the amphibian family. Amphi means both while bio means life which refers to frogs living both in water and on land. The frog’s life cycle starts as an egg which is hatched into larvae (or “tadpoles”), as the larvae grows it develops its back legs, then its front legs, and finally emerge from the water. This process could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years!

Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog

Frogs are important to the earth for several reasons. First, they are an indicator species. This means we can look at frogs in a specific area and determine how well it’s doing. If the frogs are thriving then nothing needs to be changed, but if they are struggling with survival then something is wrong with the ecosystem and immediate action is required.

Second, frogs are both predator and prey. They serve as food for many animals such as birds, snakes, and large fish. But, frogs help control the population of insects, eating a variety of spiders, mosquitos, flies, and sometimes mice. Frogs are known for using their long sticky tongues to catch their food. Their tongues are about a third of the size of their body. If humans had the same tongue, it would reach all the way to our belly buttons!

And lastly, frogs are very beneficial to human medicine. Since ancient times, frog skin has been used to help regrow skin. It was also believed that the oil secreted from frogs contain a pain reliever and help strengthen the immune system. More recently, it was discovered that compounds from their skin could be the key to treating cancer and HIV.

There are currently over 4,900 species of frogs and toads worldwide. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) states that nearly 1/3 of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Major threats include:

habitat loss
global warming
Chytridiomycosis- a fungal disease that affects about 30% of the amphibian species.

How can you help?

Leap into action by becoming a FrogWatch USA volunteer with the WAVE Foundation at Newport. Aquarium. FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), is always looking for passionate individuals to help collect data on local frogs and toads.

FrogWatch USA trains volunteers to identify local species, listen for their calls and teach them how to report their findings.

Leap day only comes once every four years, come spend your extra day leaping in Newport Aquarium’s Frog Bog, which is sponsored by CET and Think TV. You can see over 15 species of amphibians, play giant Frogger, and discover the sounds of frogs and toads from all over the world.

(Newport Aquarium Frog Bog Video: https://youtu.be/dLWuEFqmMRs)

There are more than 20 Green and Black Poison Dart Frogs in Frog Bog, along with nearly 20 species of exotic frogs from around the world.

Kentucky Agencies and Institutions Unite to Save Threatened Hellbenders

Posted on December 18, 2015 by NewportAquarium

Newport Aquarium’s Chief Conservation Officer forms statewide working group

NEWPORT, Ky. — More than 40 people representing 25 different agencies and institutions met at Newport Aquarium for the first time on Monday, Dec. 14 to discuss the status and conservation efforts of North America’s largest salamander species, the Eastern Hellbender, in the state of Kentucky.

Also known as the snot otter, devil dog or lasagna lizard, the prehistoric looking hellbender is capable of reaching 29 inches in length at 5-6 inches wide. It produces a slimy secretion on its skin that could be noxious to some predators, but is not dangerous to people.

The species population in Kentucky is in decline. Hellbenders prefer to make their homes in clear, cold, fast-flowing streams that are free of pollution, which many of the state’s waterways no longer offer. Good stream health means safe and clean areas for Kentuckians to enjoy the outdoors.

Because a healthy hellbender population indicates a healthy surrounding ecosystem, Ric Urban, the Chief Conservation Officer for Newport Aquarium had no trouble finding agencies interested in supporting conservation efforts to save the species.

: Photo Credit: Joe Greathouse

: Photo Credit: Joe Greathouse

: Photo Credit: Alle Barber

“It’s an important enough of an issue that every agency I’ve talked with wanted to be involved in saving this incredible species by helping to create and support habitats where it can thrive,” Urban said. “Without the support, effort and dedication of these agencies, there is little hope for the hellbender.”

Groups participating in the working group include:

Colleges and Universities

The first meeting of the Kentucky Hellbender Working Group included representatives from 25 agencies, colleges and universities, and businesses.

“At Newport Aquarium we have the ability to teach our guests about the amazing animals around the world and even in our own backyard,” said Urban. “They have the ability to help in our efforts as ‘citizen scientists’ helping to protect our environment. The health of the streams where hellbenders live depends on the residents of Kentucky to understand what each person puts down the drain or on their yard can end up in watery habitats threatening animals that live there.”

The group plans to meet next in the Spring to keep the future hopeful for hellbenders.

For more information on the hellbender, visit this link.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, or to purchase tickets, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474). Connect with Newport Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to its blog, for the most up-to-date news on Newport Aquarium.

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

Newport Aquarium offers free admission to U.S. Military Nov. 7-15

Posted on October 30, 2015 by NewportAquarium

Veterans Week sponsored by Humana includes military family discounts, reserved seating

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium is celebrating Veterans Day with a week of festivities sponsored by Humana, highlighted by a free admission offer to all veteran and active members of the United States Armed Forces from Nov. 7-15.

Throughout Veterans Week sponsored by Humana, all U.S. military personnel—including active, retired and reservists—can receive free admission by simply presenting their military identification at the Newport Aquarium ticket window.

“Newport Aquarium wants to honor the sacrifices the brave men and women of the U.S. military have made for our country,” said Eric Rose, Newport Aquarium executive director. “Offering free admission is a way for us to thank these heroes for their service and show our gratitude.”

Additionally, when a military serviceperson presents their military identification at the ticket window, up to four family members can take advantage of Newport Aquarium’s everyday military discount of $3 off adult tickets and $2 off children’s tickets.

All military members who visit the aquarium during Veterans Week will receive a special patriotic pin that will grant them access to front-row seating with their families during dive shows, otter talks and penguin talks, courtesy of Newport Aquarium and Humana.

Additionally, members of the military will have access to the following exclusive discounts:

20 percent discount on Backstage Animal Experiences and Penguin Encounters (space is limited)
15 percent discount at Sharky’s Café, the Newport Aquarium gift shop, Sweet Dreams Candy Co. and the Newport on the Levee Welcome Center
$1 hot dogs and $1 cookies at Sharky’s Café

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

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Newport Aquarium has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since May 15, 1999. Named one of the best aquariums in the U.S. by Travel Channel and USA Today, 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 located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

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

Newport Aquarium to release 1-year-old sea turtle back into wild

Posted on October 20, 2015 by NewportAquarium

By Madison Wallace, Newport Aquarium PR Aide

Paddles, a 1-year-old loggerhead sea turtle, receives her final physical examination from Newport Aquarium staff.

NEWPORT, Ky. — Paddles, Newport Aquarium’s one-year-old loggerhead sea turtle, will be released into the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, as a part of the North Carolina Sea Turtle Project.

Newport Aquarium has partnered with aquariums across the country to participate in this project and aid sea turtle conservation efforts since 2003.

Through the North Carolina Sea Turtle Project, newly hatched turtles that are at risk to not make it into the water are rescued and nurtured for about a year until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

Newport Aquarium Biologist Jen Hazeres (left) holds up Paddles the sea turtle while posing next to a poster at North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shore telling Paddles’ story with Water Quality Specialist Cameo Von Strohe.

Two animal husbandry staffers from Newport Aquarium, Biologist Jen Hazeres and Water Quality Specialist Cameo Von Strohe, made the trip down to North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores to release Paddles into the Gulf Stream just this week.

In order to better track her progress, Hazeres affixed a tracking device to Paddles’ shell. This device will make it possible for aquarium staff and guests alike to track her movements throughout the coming year.

Sea turtle tagging also allows scientists and conservationists to collect more accurate data about the behavior and population of young sea turtles.

When Newport Aquarium received Paddles in November 2014, she was about the size of a deck of cards and weighed less than one pound.

After spending a year at Newport Aquarium learning to swim, find her own food and coexist with other marine life, nine-pound Paddles will be released back into the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.

Loggerhead sea turtles in the wild are threatened, which makes programs like the Sea Turtle Project integral to these creatures’ survival.

Newport Aquarium Biologist Jen Hazeres placing a satellite tag on Paddles.

Loggerhead turtles are listed as internationally endangered, meaning that we could see their species disappear in the wild within the foreseeable future.

Adulthood for loggerhead sea turtles takes place between 17 and 33 years, making the journey to adulthood an arduous one. Only one out of 1,000 hatching sea turtles makes it to adulthood, meaning that only one turtle out of ten nests will survive to reproduce.

The first several minutes after they hatch are when these turtles are most at risk, but the majority of problems threatening them later in life aren’t natural—they’re man-made, including the fishing industry and loss of nesting habitat.

The WAVE Foundation, Newport Aquarium’s nonprofit partner, is responsible for organizing the Newport Aquarium’s involvement with this project every year.

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

Celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day by helping this adorable endangered species

Posted on October 16, 2015 by NewportAquarium

By Madison Wallace, Newport Aquarium PR Aide

NEWPORT, Ky. — If you’ve been to Newport Aquarium, you’ve probably heard about, or even met, one of our beloved African penguins.

Oct. 17 is the perfect day to celebrate these birds with African Penguin Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for African penguins and the factors threatening their species.

“African Penguin Awareness Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate these unique birds, along with bringing awareness to their status as an endangered species,” said Ric Urban, chief conservation officer at Newport Aquarium and resident penguin expert.

This international holiday was established by Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), an organization supported by the WAVE Foundation, Newport Aquarium’s nonprofit partner.

“The Conductor” by Flickr user Roger Smith. Boulders Penguin Colony, Cape Town, South Africa. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wodjamiff/5467655290/in/photostream/

One of SANCCOB’s most significant projects is known as chick bolstering and involves the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of African penguin chicks that have been orphaned or injured.

In the wild, these warm-weather penguins can be found living in colonies on the coastal islands that dot the shore of South Africa and Namibia.

They prefer to eat anchovies, sardines and the occasional mollusk, and generally consume 14 percent of their weight in fish daily; the equivalent of a 150-pound person eating 21 pounds of food a day!

Source: http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=1033&pageid=&pagename=

What you may not know is that these adorable, tuxedoed birds are endangered.

In the past century, the population of African penguins has plummeted from several million to roughly 30,000 as a result of pollution, global warming, egg harvesting and overfishing off the coast of southern Africa.

This species needs our help.

“If nothing changes, we could see African penguins disappear completely within the next couple of decades,” said Urban.

With an estimated 1,000 African penguins under professional animal care globally, it’s essential that zoos and aquariums across the world work together to help this species in recovering. Because of their drastic population decline, African penguins were one of the first 10 animals named to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program that launched in May 2015.

Newport Aquarium is home to eight African penguins — Paula, Randi, Simon, Sandy, Speckles, Blueberry, Green Bean and Red Pepper — all of whom were hand-raised, allowing them to bond with humans more easily. This makes them ideal for helping to educate the public about their species.

The African penguins at Newport Aquarium. (L-R): Speckles, Paula, Red Pepper, Green Bean (back), Simon (back), Sandy, Randi, Blueberry

As ambassador animals for Newport Aquarium, our African penguins aren’t on exhibit, but guests can meet them by going on a Penguin Encounter, which allows guests to interact with these birds in small groups, along with opening up discussion about this threatened species.

“African Penguins are naturally inquisitive and social,” said Urban. “They’re very curious about people, making them amazing outreach animals. It’s almost impossible to see an African penguin waddling around and not smile in response. There’s something about these birds that people just connect to.”

While both Newport Aquarium and the WAVE Foundation have brought awareness to these birds through community outreach, monetary contributions and knowledge exchange, we need your help.

For African Penguin Awareness Day, there are many simple ways for everyone to help the future of these birds:
•   Experience a Penguin Encounter at Newport Aquarium; a portion of Penguin Encounter ticket proceeds directly to SANCCOB
•   Purchase Penguin Artwork (art by penguins, not of penguins) from the WAVE Foundation; a portion of proceeds benefit African penguins
•    Visit SANCCOB’s website and donate directly to the seabird conservation efforts
•   Spend a couple minutes learning about African penguins, and start the conversation with those around you

These penguins need our help every day, but African Penguin Awareness Day is a great place to start.

african_penguins___animal_stock_by_horses_of_the_world1-d6x5lix

Source: http://mokubreeze.deviantart.com/art/African-Penguins-Animal-Stock-418485561

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

Newport Aquarium confirms its two female shark rays are pregnant

Posted on October 14, 2015 by NewportAquarium

First three cases of shark ray breeding under professional care have occurred at Newport Aquarium

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium announced Wednesday its two female shark rays, Sweet Pea and Sunshine, are both pregnant – the second and third documented cases of shark ray breeding under professional animal care in the world.

“This is an exciting next step in realizing the goals of our Shark Ray Breeding Program,” said Eric Rose, executive director at Newport Aquarium. “Still, pregnancy is not without risk, so we are cautiously optimistic that both Sweet Pea and Sunshine will give birth to healthy shark ray pups. Newport Aquarium is dedicated to the conservation of these threatened animals and we remain committed to sharing the shark rays’ story of survival.”

Newport Aquarium animal husbandry staff confirmed the pregnancies after performing ultrasounds for Sweet Pea on Oct. 1 and Sunshine on Oct. 8. Newport Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Peter Hill, who conducted the ultrasounds, estimates Sweet Pea and Sunshine’s due dates are within two to three months, with Sweet Pea expected to deliver first. The equipment used to conduct the ultrasounds was on loan from the FETCH-LAB at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciences.

Newport Aquarium staff perform an ultrasound on Sunshine the shark ray on Oct. 8, 2015.

Shark rays are a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, one level from endangered. Threats to shark rays include habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing and the use of their fins for products, including shark fin soup.

“With the world’s shark ray population depleting at a faster rate than it’s being replaced, the Shark Ray Breeding Program is important because it helps us better understand the life cycle of shark rays and closely related species,” said Ric Urban, chief conservation officer at Newport Aquarium. “The knowledge gained from this program will be valuable information for the sustainability of shark ray populations in the wild.”

The public can still see Sweet Pea and Sunshine in the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit now through a to-be-determined time closer to their due dates, at which point they will be moved to Newport Aquarium’s offsite animal health facility in Northern Kentucky.

Sunshin_Ultrasound_NAQ-FetchLab_measurement

A screenshot from Sunshine’s ultrasound performed on Oct. 8, 2015, reveals a developing shark ray pup, measuring 10.51 centimeters (4.14 inches).

Newport Aquarium established the world’s first Shark Ray Breeding Program on Feb. 14, 2007, when a male shark ray named Scooter was introduced to the 385,000-gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. The breeding program expanded in winter 2013 when Sunshine moved from the Coral Reef tunnel to Surrounded by Sharks and a second male shark ray named Spike also was introduced to the Aquarium’s signature exhibit.

Nearly seven years after Newport Aquarium established the Shark Ray Breeding Program, Sweet Pea became the first shark ray to give birth while under professional animal care on Jan. 24, 2014.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474). Connect with Newport Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to its blog, for the most up-to-date news regarding the shark ray pregnancies.

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

Ailing 7th grade cheerleader visits Newport Aquarium before becoming a Ben-Gal for a day

Posted on October 10, 2015 by NewportAquarium

Arion and Destiny with Ric and Paula the penguin

Arion Smith (left) and Destiny Freeland (center) met Paula the penguin while learning about African penguins from Newport Aquarium Chief Conservation Officer Ric Urban.

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium on Saturday morning provided an ill middle schooler from southern Ohio with a VIP tour and Penguin Encounter as part of her fun-filled weekend planned by a former Cincinnati Ben-Gals cheerleader.

Destiny Freeland, a seventh-grade cheerleader from Northwest Middle School in McDermott, Ohio, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, when she was 8 years old, undergoing many surgeries and treatments since. The years of battling cancer have taken Freeland’s ability to cheer and she attends school as her body permits.

Arion and Destiny with Ric in the shark tank

Northwest Middle School teacher Arion Smith (left) and Destiny Freeland watch sharks swim overhead with Newport Aquarium Chief Conservation Officer Ric Urban inside the tunnel of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

Newport Aquarium Chief Conservation Officer Ric Urban led Freeland and two of her teachers and cheerleading coaches, Arion Smith and Cathy Knauff, on a personalized tour of the facility, highlighted by hanging out with the Aquarium’s famous African penguins inside The Penguin House. Freeland’s mother was unable to accompany Destiny on the trip because she herself is also battling cancer.

Freeland’s tour of Newport Aquarium was part of a weekend trip to Cincinnati arranged by former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader Lindsey Cole Vaughn, who cheered at neighboring Wheelersburg High School.

Once she learned of Freeland’s story through her former Wheelersburg H.S. cheerleading coaches, Vaughn immediately began planning a weekend to trip to Cincinnati for Freeland, capped off by attending the Bengals home game on Oct. 11 and meeting the Ben-Gals.

Arion Destiny and Cathy with Ric in the back

Newport Aquarium Chief Conservation Office Ric Urban photobombs a picture of Arion Smith (left), Destiny Freeland (center) and Cathy Knauff.

Vaughn started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Freeland’s trip. On Sept. 30, Vaughn went on the Scott Sloan show on Cincinnati’s 700 WLW-AM to raise awareness and money for Freeland’s visit to Cincinnati. Vaughn said that she wanted to provide Freeland with some fun Cincinnati experiences during her time here, mentioning Newport Aquarium specifically.

Newport Aquarium employees caught wind of Vaughn’s interview on 700 WLW and called the radio station to inform Vaughn that the Northern Kentucky attraction would like to offer a VIP tour and Penguin Encounter to Freeland during her visit to Cincinna

The Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati/Uptown-University Area has offered Freeland a complimentary room and a few local restaurants are providing her with free meals during her trip to Cincinnati.

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

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Newport Aquarium has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since May 15, 1999. Named one of the best aquariums in the U.S. by Travel Channel and USA Today, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky jewel attraction is home to: The world’s first and only Shark Bridge; the world’s first Shark Ray Breeding Program; Mighty Mike – the biggest and baddest American alligator outside the state of Florida; the largest and most diverse collection of sharks in the Midwest; and one of the world’s largest and most diverse penguin exhibits. 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.

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

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News, ideas, adventures.

Tag Archives: newport aquarium

NEW Ring of Fire Exhibit Coming to Newport Aquarium in March

Newport Aquarium offers free admission to veterans and active military Nov. 5 – 13

Spring Forward, Lights Off! Cold Weather Penguins Gearing Up for Spring

Leap Day 2016, Celebrating and Saving the Frogs

Kentucky Agencies and Institutions Unite to Save Threatened Hellbenders

Newport Aquarium offers free admission to U.S. Military Nov. 7-15

Newport Aquarium to release 1-year-old sea turtle back into wild

Celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day by helping this adorable endangered species

Newport Aquarium confirms its two female shark rays are pregnant

Ailing 7th grade cheerleader visits Newport Aquarium before becoming a Ben-Gal for a day