Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
SPOOKY FUN AT AQUASCARIUM
‘Ghosts of the Forest’ will welcome guests to Aquarium’s family-friendly party
Families are encouraged to come in costume for trick-or- treat stations throughout both buildings and lots of special activities.
As guests of the Tennessee Aquarium wander through Lemur Forest, they are watched from above by creatures with cute- but- eerie appearances. The new exhibit’s namesake residents have eyes that seem to glow in the dark and furry faces that appear to wear masks.
Red-ruffed, ring-tailed and other lemur species are frequently referred to as “Ghosts of the Forest” in their native Madagascar because of their eerie vocalizations.
“The first time our guests hear our Red-ruffed Lemurs barking and howling, they’re a bit shocked,” says Chelsea Feast, one of the Aquarium’s lemur experts. “They make a sound that’s a bit like a cat mewing. It probably sounds pretty strange to most people the first time they hear it.”
AquaScarium will get off to a howling good start at 4 p. m. on Friday, Oct. 27. Families are encouraged to come dressed for this Halloween party that i ncludes trick- or- treat stations throughout both buildings as well as activities like the Monster Mash dance floor spilling out onto the Aquarium Plaza. Face- painters, costumed scuba divers, pirates, mermaids and animal encounters await families during this night of fun.
The Aquarium’s normal closing time is 6 p.m. but AquaScarium continues until 8: 30 p. m. Exploring the Aquarium after hours is always a treat, but it’s especially exciting when you have the opportunity to meet a mad scientist or pose for pictures with an Aquarium mascot.
AquaScarium is designed to be a spirited but safe Halloween party for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Nonmember tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for ages 3-18. Aquarium members and their children can attend at a discounted rate of $8. All tickets include admission to both Aquarium buildings and AquaScarium activities.
To purchase AquaScarium tickets online: https :// community. tn aqua. org/ events/ member-proprograms/ fall /2017/ aqua scarium. Tickets also will be available at the door.