CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 12, 2001) - On the second floor of the Tennessee Aquarium, local school children cheered as handfuls of quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies whirled around and around, finally falling into the bottom of a parabolic coin drop. The children's coins aren't just "money down the drain," but represent the thousands of small donations that go into the coin drop each year.

"Your change will make a change." These words above the Tennessee Aquarium's parabolic coin drop exhibit have inspired Aquarium visitors to turn their pennies green - by contributing more than $100,000 and saving 167 acres of land to help preserve wilderness areas in the Tennessee River Gorge.

The Aquarium and the River Gorge Trust celebrated this milestone on Monday morning. In addition to local schoolchildren, employees from both the Aquarium and River Gorge Trust took part in the celebration.

"The Tennessee Aquarium is dedicated to the global conservation of freshwater ecosystems," said Charlie Arant, Aquarium president. "We are excited to be able to help the River Gorge Trust safeguard another little corner of our fragile world."

The parabolic coin drop exhibit opened on Earth Day 1996 and provides an opportunity to connect the Aquarium's conservation and education message to a real-world situation in our own backyard.

The yellow fiberglass, funnel-looking coin drop located on level 2 of the Aquarium acts like a magnet for visitors young and old.

"Kids love it," Arant said. "They're fascinated when they watch the coins spin at breakneck speed, one after the other, before they drop into the till. And it's a great way to raise awareness about protecting the environment."

Arant said every penny counts toward the land in the Gorge. All of the funds raised are given to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust to acquire and preserve more land in the unique wilderness area. Recently, funds from the Aquarium coin drop helped to purchase land on the side of Elder Mountain that had been scheduled for development.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Built with private contributions, this non-profit educational organization is dedicated to the understanding, conservation and celebration of aquatic habitats. Admission is $12.95 per adult and $6.95 per child, ages 3-12. Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. To join or for program and trip information, call 267-FISH. The Aquarium is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas and is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, call 1-800-262-0695.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Built with private contributions, this non-profit educational organization is dedicated to the understanding, conservation and enjoyment of the Tennessee River and related ecosystems. Admission is $10.25 per adult and $5.50 per child, ages 3-12. The Aquarium is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas and is accessible to people with disabilities. The Aquarium’s TDD number is (423) 265-4498, and FM assistive listening devices are available on site. For more information, call 1-800-262-0695.