The Tennessee Aquarium has announced a new $5 million animal hospital to expand its veterinary capacity.
Located in the River Journey building, the new 3,100-square-foot facility will be staffed by an expanded veterinary team and will enhance the aquarium's ability to provide on-site care for its resident animals.
Due to open in June 2027, the animal hospital will offer an expanded selection of surgical and diagnostic tools, including an updated X-ray, a CT scanner, various endoscopes, and veterinary-specific dental equipment.
The facility will feature a large central treatment room, as well as imaging, surgical and recovery suites for end-to-end patient care.
The Tennessee Aquarium animal health team includes (from left) veterinary assistant Shelby Ferguson, conservation veterinarian Leah Owens, director of animal health Chris Keller, collections veterinarian Courtney Pace, and hospital manager Kristen HalesTennessee Aquarium
Veterinarians will also have access to an isolated necropsy area and a reference library, as well as labs and office space.
The animal hospital is part of a wider veterinary programme to provide extensive hands-on experience to future veterinarians and veterinary technicians through a partnership with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville and the Chattanooga State Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program.
"This is about us putting a flag in the ground that aquatic animal medicine should be shared with all. If we can advance that aspect of care, we will affect the health of millions of animals," said Andy Wood, the Tennessee Aquarium's president and CEO.
New veterinary programme
“We can do that if we have exceptional, committed talent, the facilities that support them, by advancing our commitment to innovation and by offering training to others.”
Paul Plummer, dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, said: "This partnership gives our students and faculty an extraordinary setting in which to advance animal health through both clinical training and discovery."
“Together, we are preparing veterinarians and scientists to improve the health of animals, people and the environments they share," he added.
