Turtles are an amazing example of biological adaptability and endurance, having roamed the earth for 220 million years. They're also much-loved and admired the world over. However, they are often underappreciated for the vital role they play in the environment. And unfortunately, despite their much-celebrated endurance, turtles are in trouble. That’s why Tennessee Aquarium has officially declared 2020 “Year of the Turtle,” a yearlong turtle bonanza that will feature the film Turtle Odyssey 3D in the IMAX Theater and a wide range of turtle updates and additions to the Aquarium visitor experience. It will also train a bigger spotlight on the work being done by conservation groups to study and safeguard turtles around the world.

Tennessee Aquarium is always seeking ways to provide unique views of life above and below the surface of the water, as well as create meaningful experiences both within, and outside of, the Aquarium that spark curiosity and a desire to get out and explore nature. To that end, Backyard Wilderness 3D was scheduled for the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater's spring break time frame. This film was perfectly aligned with the Aquarium’s mission to “connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife.” Team members from education, husbandry, conservation, and marketing were able to create a “Backyard Scientist” theme for the spring break programs and highlight new research that was being performed by the Aquarium’s scientists working out of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. From the initial concepts, they were able to add additional layers of programs and special events that are still unfolding today. Read more