Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Reports The Animals Safe and Under Care

Gatlinburg, TN. (November 29, 2016) First and foremost we would like to thank the first responders for risking their lives to save our community.

We would also like to thank our dedicated Aquarium team that stayed as late as possible before being forced to evacuate when fires approached the back of our building. We are grateful to have had the police escort our emergency team back into the Aquarium early this morning to check on the well-being of our animals. We have a team of Marine Biologists and Life Support Experts inside the Aquarium and are happy to report that the animals are safe.

Ripley’s Aquariums are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit organization dedicated to animal care. We are continuing to monitor the stability of our animals and life support systems. We have Ripley teams in Myrtle Beach and Buffalo on standby to assist our Gatlinburg Husbandry staff if needed. We would also like to thank the many aquariums and zoos that have offered their support.

Along with our own animals, we want to express concern for the local forest animals and pets. We are hoping for the safety of all the living creatures of our community.

With eight attractions in Sevier County and over 2 million visitors a year, we are proud members of this community, and we stand with everyone in Gatlinburg during this time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the safety of all animals, people, their homes, our community, and our employees. The Ripley’s family will be helping in any way possible as we recover from this tragic event.

For the safety of our employees and guests, all of our Attractions will remain closed until the evacuation has lifted.

Media Contacts

Ryan DeSear | Regional Manager
General Manager | Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Cell: 865-850-8808
Email: desear@ripleys.com

Jim Pattison Jr. | President
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Office: 407-345-8010
Email: pattison@ripleys.com