Photo: South Carolina Aquarium, David Haring, Duke Lemur Center
	Ring-tailed lemurs are the key species in the South Carolina Aquarium’s Madagascar exhibit.

Lemurs in view

Southeastern Article,
February 17, 2012

Due to open in early May at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston is “Madagascar Journey.”

This will be the aquarium’s largest changing exhibit since the Charleston Harbor facility opened in 2000.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see animals from Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world. Madagascar, located off Africa’s eastern coast, is a biodiversity hotspot.

The exhibit will feature the ring-tailed lemur, native only to Madagascar and standing 18 inches in height, chameleons and some of the world’s most colorful fish. 

Additional animals slated for the exhibit include: Vasa parrot, northern spider tortoise, Madagascar tree boa, giant hognose snake, mantela and tomato frogs, leaf tail gecko, day gecko, white spotted bamboo shark, blue spot stingray, balloonfish and Nile crocodile

Special displays and activities will show how people can take an active role in keeping this island habitat intact.

“The exhibit will run for at least three years,” said Kate Dittloff, public relations manager. “We may extend it depending on the popularity.”

“Madagascar Journey” is included in aquarium admission.

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles. The more than 60 exhibits represent the biodiversity of South Carolina. 

Groups receive express entry and a special orientation. The self-guided tours average 90 minutes. Daily, on-site programs include regularly scheduled Great Ocean Tank dive shows and various interpretive animal encounters that change throughout the year. Free motorcoach parking is provided.

All groups must consist of a minimum of 15 paid guests. Special discounted rates are available to tour operators and school groups. Complimentary admission is granted upon request for the group tour leader/escort.

Group options include a behind-the-scenes tour and a sea turtle hospital behind the scenes tour and the 52-seat 4D Immersion Theater.

South Carolina Aquarium
(800) 722-6455
www.scaquarium.org