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Chattanooga,
Tenn. (May 8, 2008) – When viewed from space,
our planet is more blue than green. The world’s
oceans cover nearly two-thirds of Earth, while we
live on the remaining one-third. Yet it is only within
relatively recent times that humans are discovering
how important the oceans are to our existence. “Today,
more than ever before, we know that everything in
our world is connected. The health of our planet-our
living biosphere-is vitally interconnected to the
health of all its inhabitants and habitats,” said
Jean-Michel Cousteau, ocean explorer and environmentalist.
For more than four decades Jean-Michel
Cousteau has used his vast experiences to share his
love and concern for our water planet with people
world-wide. And on Thursday, May 22nd, the son of
the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau will
recount adventures with his family exploring the
world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone at
the Tennessee Aquarium. |
Honoring his heritage, Jean-Michel founded
Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering
work. As Executive Vice President of The Cousteau Society
for nearly 20 years, and now as Founder and President of
Ocean Futures Society, Jean-Michel travels the globe, meeting
with leaders and policymakers at the grassroots level and
at the highest echelons of government and business. In fact,
Jean-Michel’s diplomacy on behalf
of water and ocean issues helped convince President George
W. Bush to name the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a Marine
National Monument after screening his PBS documentary on
the subject at the White House in 2006.
Jean-Michel Cousteau
is now serving as film ambassador for 3D Entertainment’s
most recent film, Dolphins and
Whales 3D. Cousteau believes this experience will
help bridge the gap between people and the mammals who
call the oceans home. “Don your 3D glasses that look like we
don our underwater masks and you will have the same experience
or almost the same experience as these fabulous, extraordinary
creatures come toward you and, very gently, avoid contact
so not to hurt you. These animals are the most elegant animals
that you could think of: dolphins, whales, manatees. As bizarre
as some of them may be, you will understand how important
they are to the marine environment and, thus, to every one
of us,” Cousteau said.
Underwater filmmaker Gavin McKinney
will join Cousteau in the Aquarium’s auditorium to
share his experience capturing the images seen in Dolphins and Whales 3D. Many
people are already familiar with McKinney’s underwater
work. He’s spent more than 20,000 hours underwater
working on projects such as five of the James Bond movies, Splash,
Speed 2, Jaws: the Revenge and The Abyss.
McKinney
also co-produced and served as director of photography
on 3D Entertainment’s ocean-themed films series shown
at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, Ocean Wonderland
3D, Sharks 3D and now Dolphins and Whales 3D. The
filmmaker believes viewing Dolphins and Whales 3D will
be as inspiring for audiences as it was him as a filmmaker. “For
me, being in the blue ocean was exhilarating and at some
times almost scary because simply of the size of these animals.
When you see them on the surface, it’s one thing. But
when you see them under the water and they’re just
within touching distance of you, makes you feel about the
size of an ant and very insignificant. So, being in the blue
with the animal makes you feel quite lonely in terms of how
important you are but it’s an amazing experience,” McKinney
said.
Tickets for this special evening with Jean-Michel Cousteau
and Gavin McKinney are available
online or
by phone: 423-267-FISH. Prices include a special preview
of Dolphins and Whales 3D – Tribes of the Ocean at
IMAX, presentation by Jean-Michel Cousteau in the Aquarium’s
auditorium and reception to meet these living legends.
Adult: $20/Member; $25/Non-Member
Child (3-12):
$15/Member; $20/Non-Member
Limited to 190
Proceeds benefit Tennessee Aquarium conservation initiatives.
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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and
appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $19.95 per
adult and $12.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased
helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D
Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are
$8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo
tickets are $25.95 for adults and $17.95 for children.
Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org
or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on
the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit
organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas,
the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.
Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call
267-FISH to join. |
