Animals Swarm at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Exhibit

More than 1,000 animals featured in the new “Swarm” exhibit will captivate visitors to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Animals that swarm are the stars of the 2015 Swarm exhibit, which opened Tuesday at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. The exhibit has 20 fun interactives to experience, along with habitats of live Halloween Crabs, Herding Catfish, Flashlight Fish, Blue Blubber Jellyfish and Clusterwink Snails.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Swarm Exhibit

Kids enjoy a fish manicure by a swarm of Doctor Fish at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Swarm Exhibit.

“Our “Swarm” exhibit provides our guests with an opportunity to appreciate any animal that swarms. There are over 1,000 animals for you to meet ranging from being face-to-face with American Eels to enjoying the calming view of Blue Blubber Jellyfish,” said Ryan DeSear, general manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Local officials, tourism professionals and media were treated to a presentation by Dr. William Bass, the world-renowned American Forensics Anthropologist known for his research and founding of the famous University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility “Body Farm,” at a luncheon celebrating the opening of Swarm. A charismatic gentleman, Dr. Bass used a series of slides to illustrate swarming of the blowfly and his wit to temper the graphic nature of the subject matter.

Dr. William Bass met with luncheon guests, answered questions and autographed copies of books by Jefferson Bass, the writing team of Dr. Bass and Jon Jefferson.

The Swarm exhibit was created specifically for Ripley’s Aquarium and is free with paid admission to the aquarium. It will be on display throughout 2015.

DeSear noted that the aquarium recently invested $100,000 in new lighting for the famous underwater tunnel.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is located at 88 River Road (Light #5), in Gatlinburg, Tenn. and is open 365 days a year. For information call 888-240-1358.