The database produces mean, median and standard deviation values for each of the parameters. These values are produced for sharks from each population and from the pooled animal values. The purpose of this joint project with the Virginia Aquarium is to provide meaningful normal values that will allow us to compare plasma chemistry values of a sick individual with known normal values.

In addition to helping provide quality health care for individual animals the database will allow us to compare the effects of different husbandry systems at various aquariums on plasma chemistry values.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (August 19, 2009) –

This award is given by Senator DeMint to South Carolinians and businesses that are moving South Carolina forward through their innovative techniques and entrepreneurial spirit.

In accepting the award Peter MacIntyre, Aquarium General Manager thanked Senator DeMint for his, “Recognition of Ripley’s commitment to excellence and to South Carolina.”

Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium is a world class aquarium with over 6,000 animals displayed in 1.3 million gallons of salt and fresh water.  Since its opening in 1997 with annual visitation exceeding one million, Ripley’s Aquarium is South Carolina’s most visited attraction. One of five Ripley attractions located in Myrtle Beach, the Ripley’s Aquarium (www.ripleysaquariums.com) is one of the Ripley Entertainment family of 72 worldwide facilities.

Media Contacts:

Jessica Mula
Ripley’s Aquarium
(800) 734-8888
jessmula@ripleysaquarium.com

Tim O’Brien, VP Communications
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
(615) 646-7465 – office
(615) 496-5949 – cell
Obrien@ripleys.com

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (May 22, 2009) – The world famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida, known for their grace and beauty for the past 62 years, will be coming back to Ripley’s Aquarium this summer for 12 shows, July 24-26, 2009. Their performances last summer were critically acclaimed and there was standing room only in front of Ray Bay.

The mermaids will perform each day at 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. and will be available to meet and greet guests following each show in the shallows of Friendship Flats. The stage at Ripley’s Aquarium will be Ray Bay, a 15 foot deep, 85,000 gallon saltwater tank, populated with sharks and stingrays.

Special photo opportunities and several interactive programs will be offered in conjunction with the mermaid’s visit, including a Mermaid Splash, where guests will join a mermaid in the water and splash, pet and frolic with the friendly stingrays.

The mermaid shows are free with paid admission to the aquarium. For further information about the interactive programs with the mermaids (which require a reservation) or to reserve a spot, contact Mary Clark at 843-916-0888, extension 3226.

A Brief History of the Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, also called The City of Live Mermaids is truly an original piece of Florida’s rich heritage and one of the state’s earliest roadside attractions.

The Weeki Wachee Springs underwater theater opened on Oct. 13, 1947. The mermaids performed synchronized ballet moves 20 feet underwater while breathing through special air hoses hidden in the scenery.

In the 1950s, Weeki Wachee, located north of Tampa on Florida’s west coast, was one of the nation’s most popular tourist stops. The attraction received worldwide acclaim and several movies were filmed at the spring.

Weeki Wachee’s heyday began in 1959, when the spring was purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) and was heavily promoted. The ABC creative team developed themes for the underwater shows, with elaborate props, lifts, music, and story lines.

In the 1960s, the glamorous mermaids performed eight shows a day to sold out crowds – as many as half a million people a year came to see them. The mermaids were treated like royalty wherever they appeared in Florida and stars of those days, including Elvis, Don Knotts, Esther Williams, and Arthur Godfrey, stopped by to see them perform live.

Today, tiny Weeki Wachee is one of the nation’s smallest cities, with a population of nine, including its mayor, Robyn Anderson, the GM of the attraction, and a former mermaid. It is also a Florida State Park. (www.weekiwachee.com)

Photos

High resolution photos available a http://ripleysnewsroom.com/mermaids-in-myrtle-beach /

About Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium (www.ripleysaquariums.com) is part of the Ripley Entertainment family of worldwide entertainment facilities including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a second world class aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tenn.  More than 13 million people visit Ripley’s 73 attractions in 12 countries each year.  Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada

Media Contacts

Jessica Mula
Ripley’s Aquarium
Phone: (800) 734-8888
Email Jessica

Tim O’Brien, VP Communications
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Office: (615) 646-7465
Mobile: (615) 496-5949
Email Tim