A Must Visit Aquarium for Animal Lovers

Kentucky is full of surprises and one of those is in Newport, Kentucky. A million gallons of water and animals from all over the world gives plenty to do and plenty to see. This makes for a great experience for families looking for something to do.

There are a total of 14 galleries and over 70 exhibits. There are also a total of 5 acrylic tunnels that total more than 200 feet in length. This allows individuals to see the aquatic life as if they are in the tank themselves.

In addition to the tunnels, there are exhibits that show the aquatic life from different areas of the world. For instance, you can see those that reside in the Amazon Rainforest, Florida swamps, and many species that reside in the oceans. You also get to hang out with the penguins.

One exhibit that amazes me is being able to see below the surface of the Ohio River. I have lived along the river my entire life, but never knew what it was like below the surface. Not many outside of professional divers inspecting the integrity of bridge columns really know. At the Newport Aquarium, I was able to stand behind an acrylic wall and see what it’s like. I was surprised at the plants, shrubbery, and the several species of fish that could be seen. What amazed me more was seeing that the fish didn’t have three eyes like we tend to joke about in the Ohio Valley due to the pollution that does exist in the river.

There is also a theater in which dive shows take place in the shark tank. Theater goers are able to communicate with the divers and learn more about the species of shark swimming around them. There are also a number of seasonal programs that take place in the theater.

I also had a good time with the shark tank because I was actually able to touch a shark. Although I loved touching the Sting Rays at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, touching a shark without losing an arm is a rather exhilarating experience.

I also loved seeing the baby turtles. I have seen baby turtles before, but they’re so cute that you simply can’t get enough of them. And yes, the penguins were super neat. I am personally a penguin nut because they fascinate me.  The way they walk and their overall appearance is fascinating. They are comforting, which is a feeling that you continue to feel as you explore the Frog Bog. You get to see 20 different species of frogs and kids are able to make large frog replicas and learn about the environmental issues that are affecting these small creatures.

There is so much to do and see that it is worth a stop in Newport to see what they have to offer. I was quite impressed, as this is one of the better aquariums that I have visited and will definitely be visiting again in the near future.