Tennessee Aquarium’s virtual fall fundraising event is underway and will continue through Monday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m.
Among the items for which participants can vie are a variety of artwork created by human and animal artists, behind-the-scenes encounters and travel adventures, including an eco-tour in Costa Rica.
One of the auction’s marquee offerings is the chance to choose a name for the aquarium’s newest Gentoo Penguin chick, which hatched in June. The winning bidder will also get to suit up for a hands-on experience feeding the birds of Penguins’ Rock and painting with one of the other penguins.
Also up for bid is a shark encounter during which guests will slice squid and capelin to feed to a variety of shark species.
The winning bidders will target feed the Sandbar Sharks and Sand Tiger Sharks from a catwalk above the aquarium’s 618,000-gallon Secret Reef exhibit.
Those who prefer paws to fins and feathers can bid on experiences with the North American River Otters or the residents of the Lemur Forest gallery.
These behind-the-scenes opportunities will show guests what it takes to care for the aquarium’s mammals, from food preparation to training sessions.
Also featured in the virtual auction are dozens of works of art created by the aquarium’s animals and pieces donated by local and regional artists.
All proceeds will help support the aquarium’s nonprofit mission of connecting the public with nature and inspiring people to make informed decisions about water and wildlife.
View the complete list of auction items
Source: Tennessee Aquarium