Myrtle Beach, SC – Jan. 24, 2023 – From Ocean Boulevard to Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Attractions are introducing all-new, exciting experiences in Myrtle Beach this spring! Notably — hang in there, as things are a little upside down now but slowly coming together — Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach will be opening the all-new Sloth Valley habitat!

In Sloth Valley, Aquarium guests will come face-to-face with two-toed sloths to learn about this adorable, slow-moving species. They will then be able to set sail on adventure as Ripley’s Aquarium brings new excitement to its Discovery Center, inviting guests to walk the plank and dive into oceans of family fun with a brand-new play structure, interactive experiences, and hands-on animal encounters.

The family fun doesn’t stop at the Aquarium! Ocean Boulevard will be welcoming four fresh Attractions:

• Ripley’s Illusion Lab – Switch up your perspective, challenge your senses, and spark your curiosity as you engage with optical, photographic, and interactive illusions. At Ripley’s Illusion Lab, visitors are invited to step into a world of optical trickery and view things from a totally new — and bizarre — perspective!
• Ripley’s Crazy Golf – You’ve never played miniature golf like this before — it is Ripley’s, after all! From zip-lining holes to selfie-worthy shots and epic glowing lights, this isn’t your average course. Grab a drink from the bar and put your and your family’s skills to the test!
• Ripley’s Mirror Maze Expansion – Already a family favorite on the Boulevard, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze is expanding with even more endless mirrored hallways, infinity rooms, and surreal surprises!
• Ripley’s Haunted Adventure – The horrors remain as Ripley’s Haunted Adventure grows and transforms into a 1908 macabre manor. A murder mystery comes alive through the twists and turns of each room. Can you find the clues needed to catch the killer, or will you become the next victim?

Ripley’s new experiences will be opening late spring, beginning with Sloth Valley at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Think you’re already a sloth expert? Test your sloth knowledge for a chance to win early access to this all-new habitat! Play Here!

For the latest on opening dates and sneak peeks inside, follow Ripley’s on Instagram or Facebook, or sign up for email updates online.

To learn more about Sloth Valley and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, visit RipleyAquariums.com/MyrtleBeach/SlothValley.

Media contact:
Alex McMinn
(843) 916-0888, ext. 3250
amcminn@ripleys.com

The post Hang in There: Sloths and More Coming to Ripley’s Myrtle Beach Attractions This Spring! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

May 31, 2022 – “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” has been a household phrase since 1918—sparking curiosity and reminding families of memories made while experiencing the wonder of Ripley’s Odditoriums. But in 1997, Ripley’s took its greatest step towards diversifying the Company’s brand of attractions—diving into the aquarium world. Breaking ground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the company now celebrates 25 years of memories at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach!

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach paved the way for two subsequent world-class facilities in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Toronto, Canada, each committed to promoting an awareness of conservation and providing guests of all ages with a fun, interactive experience that connects visitors to the world around them.

Setting the standard for the company’s Aquarium ventures, Myrtle Beach is also a hub for scientific research. In 2020, Ripley’s opened its Marine Science Research Center to help sustain a superior level of animal care and facilitate research. This state-of-the-art facility, along with its Husbandry team, has already made waves by producing the world’s first successful birth by artificial insemination of a sand tiger shark.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach’s largest expansion, the addition of the Penguin Playhouse, a 5,500 square foot habitat with floor to ceiling viewing glass, a penguin nursery, and classrooms, also welcomed fresh faces to the Aquarium. Two African penguin chicks, Egerton (2020) and Plyler (2021), have both been born at the Aquarium. These births push the Aquarium toward their goal of “three chicks in three years” as a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to help save endangered animals.

From births, to construction, and scientific milestones, a new era of unbelievable opened at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach 25 years ago. Ripley’s invites visitors to celebrate with them on June 13, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a party on the Plaza and special engagements inside the Aquarium. Visitors are also encouraged to share their memories old and new on social media!

To learn more about Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, visit www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach

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Media contact:
Alex McMinn
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
(843) 916-0888 x3250
amcminn@ripleys.com

About Ripley Entertainment
Built on the foundation of a daily newspaper cartoon in 1918 — still in print today — Ripley Entertainment has grown to be a world leader in family entertainment, expanding to include more than 100 attractions in 10 countries around the world. Along with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, Guinness World Records Attractions, Aquariums, WaxWorks, traveling shows, and miniature golf, the world of Ripley’s continues to grow through exciting new experiences, content, and books for all ages. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

The post Ripley’s Aquariums Celebrate 25 Years of Memories on the Grand Strand appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Myrtle Beach, SC – May 17, 2022 – Ripley’s Aquariums have made history with the world’s first successful birth by artificial insemination of a sand tiger shark. Named “Rip” after the company’s founder, Robert LeRoy Ripley, this pup marks a significant step for its species around the world.

Ripley’s Aquariums are at the forefront of sand tiger shark research, working with both wild and managed care sharks to better understand their reproductive behaviors. Sand tiger sharks have a low natural reproductive rate, with females only producing up to two pups every two or three years. Globally, these sharks are listed as a vulnerable species, and in some areas of the world are endangered because of commercial fishing.

Rip’s incredible journey began in May 2021, when a female sand tiger at Ripley’s Marine Science Research Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was artificially inseminated. Sand tiger sharks have a gestation period of eight to 12 months, and she soon began to show signs of pregnancy. Her progress was regularly tracked using ultrasonography. Ripley’s Veterinary and Husbandry Teams kept a vigilant, 24-hour watch on her until Rip was born on March 24, 2022. Mom and baby shark remain healthy, and today Rip weighs 17.4 pounds and measures 36.6 inches in total length. He is growing at a natural rate, just as he would in the wild.

“Rip represents the future and an important moment in history for his species,” shared Tim Handsel, Vice President, Husbandry, Ripley’s Aquarium, “When research, science, and care come together, the future of vulnerable species like the sand tiger shark looks brighter. This pup means a great deal to Ripley’s Aquariums and the survival of the species around the world.”

Rip will remain behind the scenes at Ripley’s Marine Science Research Center until he has reached a few additional milestones in his development. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach will continue to provide “pup-dates” on Rip’s growth on its Facebook page until he is ready to join the Aquarium.

To learn more about Rip and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, visit www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach

Photos and Video: Dropbox

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Media Contact:
Alex McMinn
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
(843) 916-0888 x3250
amcminn@ripleys.com

The post World First: Ripley’s Aquariums Research Efforts Birth Sand Tiger Shark appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

The post Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Welcomes Second Penguin Born at Penguin Playhouse appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Only Available for Viewing Limited Time 

Myrtle Beach, SC (February 27, 2020) – The Legendary Fertility Statues that have been credited with helping thousands of happy couples get pregnant have arrived at the Myrtle Beach Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. Visit them in the Ripley’s Lobby, before it’s too late. No ticket purchases necessary.

Ripley’s acquired the statues in 1993. The statues are made from ebony wood and were hand-carved by craftsman of the Baulé tribesman of the West African nation of Cote D’Ivoire in the 1930s. They stand 5 feet tall and weigh over 70 pounds each.

THE LEGEND

According to tribal legend, to ensure a couple’s fertility, the statues should be placed on both sides of the doorway leading into the bedroom. If a woman or her spouse touches either statue as they enter the room, they will soon get pregnant.

While Ripley’s cannot loan the statues to prospective parents for their bedrooms, the power of the statues is still strong. Thousands of women have written to Ripley’s claiming that after years of trying to conceive, one rub of the statues soon brought a bundle of joy.

THE BABY BOOM

When Ripley’s first received the statues in 1993, they were displayed at their Head Quarters. A few months later, Ripley’s experienced a Baby Boom! Six employees became pregnant after touching the statues, and word started to spread. Women were requesting to visit the office just to touch the statues.

Over the years, Ripley’s has received countless messages from couples. Here are a few of their very personal stories: 

VICTORIA

I came to see the statues in London in November, and although it is in its early days, I am pregnant!

MELISSA
I had been unsuccessful for a few months trying to get pregnant through fertility treatments. I went on a two-week European vacation. Our last stop was London to touch the fertility statues. A few weeks later I returned to the States, and my next treatment was successful! We had a baby girl in March!

LAUREN
We had a long road trying to get pregnant. I went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and rubbed both statues, and within 48 hours we learned we were pregnant.

SAMANTHA
We were trying for about two years, and the doctors told us they didn’t think it would be possible for us to have children. The statues were something that we thought “Why not give it a try?” So, we did, and here she is, and I would touch them again.

BACK ON TOUR

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the statues before they leave! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach is located at 901 North Ocean Boulevard, and is open 365 days of the year. See website for attraction hours.

To keep up-to-date with future tour dates, please visit Ripleys.com/fertility-statues

ORIGIN OF THE STATUES

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Media Contacts
Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 15 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books, and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The post Touch Legendary Fertility Statues in Myrtle Beach! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Ripley’s acquired the statues in 1993. The statues are made from ebony wood and were hand-carved by craftsman of the Baulé tribesman of the West African nation of Cote D’Ivoire in the 1930s. They stand 5 feet tall and weigh over 70 pounds each.

THE LEGEND

According to tribal legend, to ensure a couple’s fertility, the statues should be placed on both sides of the doorway leading into the bedroom. If a woman or her spouse touches either statue as they enter the room, they will soon get pregnant.

While Ripley’s cannot loan the statues to prospective parents for their bedrooms, the power of the statues is still strong. Thousands of women have written to Ripley’s claiming that after years of trying to conceive, one rub of the statues soon brought a bundle of joy.

THE BABY BOOM

When Ripley’s first received the statues in 1993, they were displayed at their Head Quarters. A few months later, Ripley’s experienced a Baby Boom! Six employees became pregnant after touching the statues, and word started to spread. Women were requesting to visit the office just to touch the statues.

Over the years, Ripley’s has received countless messages from couples. Here are a few of their very personal stories:

VICTORIA

I came to see the statues in London in November, and although it is in its early days, I am pregnant!

MELISSA
I had been unsuccessful for a few months trying to get pregnant through fertility treatments. I went on a two-week European vacation. Our last stop was London to touch the fertility statues. A few weeks later I returned to the States, and my next treatment was successful! We had a baby girl in March!

LAUREN
We had a long road trying to get pregnant. I went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and rubbed both statues, and within 48 hours we learned we were pregnant.

SAMANTHA
We were trying for about two years, and the doctors told us they didn’t think it would be possible for us to have children. The statues were something that we thought “Why not give it a try?” So we did, and here she is, and I would touch them again.

BACK ON TOUR

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the statues before they leave Myrtle Beach in March. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach is located at 901 Ocean Boulevard and is open 365 days of the year. See website for attraction hours. To keep up-to-date with future tour dates, please visit Ripleys.com/fertility-statues

ORIGIN OF THE STATUES

MEDIA CONTACTS

Bethany Marshall
Director of Marketing & PR
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
bmarshall@ripleys.com
Office: 843-916-0888×3234
Cell: 843-424-3794

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010
Cell: 727-439-0136

ABOUT RIPLEY ENTERTAINMENT

Ripley Entertainment Inc. is the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its over 100 attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post The Legendary Fertility Statues Arrive in Myrtle Beach! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.