The current special exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is so worth the trip! We visited the aquarium on Sunday, and this new exhibit is awesome!

One of the ‘creatures’ that was most amazing to me was the tiny Blue Ringed Octopus. It was a tiny little thing…cute… but wow is it deadly. So deadly, it carries enough venom, for which there is currently no known antidote, to kill 26 human beings. It was amazing to see this collection of to be feared specimens. There is just so much to see and learn, I’m going to have to return before the year ends to view it all again.

The kids just couldn’t stop talking about the ‘boxing’ shrimp that throws a powerful 55-mph punch with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. There is even a punching bag to test yourself to see if you are any match!

This exhibit is a great display of the natural defenses of these sea creatures, and a good reminder that nature is constantly struggling for survival. One of the most poignant line ups was that of the sea’s biggest enemy… pollutants and garbage that humans leave behind. It was an eye-opener for sure!

Visit the Ripley’s web site for more information if that’s what it takes to convince you to go!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ciao for now,

angie@smokysaver.com