Tennessee Aquarium Debuts New River Otter Exhibit

The update is expected to draw additional visitors to Chattanooga in the coming months, adding to what has already been a strong season for Tennessee tourism.

"This is something our community has been asking for, and we're glad to finally see it come together," said Jason Robinson, park ranger in Chattanooga.

Visitor numbers in the area were already up an estimated 14 percent over last year, according to regional tourism data, and officials expect the trend to continue through the fall.

"We're proud of what this means for Chattanooga and the people who live here." — Jason Robinson

Travelers are encouraged to check ahead for hours and any seasonal changes before planning a visit.