Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Exhibit Opens in Memphis!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMPHIS, TENN. (March 2, 2018) – You may think you’ve seen everything at Memphis Zoo but this season’s exhibit is truly one you’ll have to see to believe! Beginning March 3, more than 160 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! artifacts, exhibits and oddities will be at Memphis Zoo to amaze and delight guests. Included are life size animals made from recycled items in addition to a category dedicated to Memphis with Elvis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., unique musical items and barbeque art. There will also be shrunken heads, vampire killing kit, a Faberge egg, Bug Bistro, interactive exhibits and other uncommon artifacts expected from this global leader in attractions.
“We are excited to bring so many unique artifacts to our guests this season,” said Nancy Kelso, Vice President of Guest Services. “We’ve always been proud of the entertainment value at Memphis Zoo and providing the addition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at no additional cost to guests will, hopefully, allow even more Mid-Southerners and other visitors to enjoy our award-winning Zoo.”
The relationship between Memphis Zoo and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! began last year when the Zoo’s François langur, “Tanah,” broke the record as the oldest of her species to give birth. The Zoo’s keepers named the new baby, “Ripley,” in honor of Robert Ripley and the unbelievable event. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (RBION) officially recognized Tanah and Ripley as part of its history and presented Memphis Zoo with a plaque featuring an original Ripley’s cartoon immortalizing Tanah and Ripley. The plaque can be seen in the Zoo’s CHINA exhibit in front of the François langur yard.
With Tanah and Ripley’s recognition last year, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brought 10 artifacts for nine days to the delight of Zoo guests. The event was so successful that Memphis Zoo is partnering again with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to bring more than 160 artifacts to the Zoo for more than four (4) months.
“Providing visitors from around the world the opportunity to see the amazing collection of Robert Ripley is a joy,” shared Suzanne Smagala-Potts, Public Relations Manager for Ripley Entertainment. “We’re delighted to be a part of Memphis Zoo’s 2018 season and the François langur exhibit.”
When the gates open at 9 a.m. on March 3, guests will be able to enjoy additional RBION Day activities. The opening day schedule includes a scavenger hunt, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not!-designed coloring page, and an interactive Ripley’s Believe It or Not! show in the transformed “Odditorium,” formerly the Amphitheater.
All Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibits and events are included with General Admission.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be at Memphis Zoo beginning this Saturday, March 3 and conclude when gates close on Sunday, July 8, 2018. Odditorium shows will be Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and
11 a.m. until May 29. Saturday and Sunday shows are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be every weekend, weather permitting, through July 8.
About Memphis Zoo
Memphis Zoo, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is home to more than 4,500 animals representing over 500 different species. Recently named as one of the top zoos in the country by TripAdvisor® and by USA Today, Memphis Zoo has completed over $93 million in renovations and expansion since the early 1990s. The Zoo’s animal inhabitants reside in one-of-a-kind exhibitry, such as Once Upon a Farm, The Commercial Appeal Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage, Teton Trek, CHINA – home to giant pandas YaYa and Le Le, and the all-new Zambezi River Hippo Camp. Memphis Zoo was founded in 1906 and resides on 70 acres in the middle of Overton Park. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Memphis Zoo, YaYa and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Karen McDevitt
Memphis Zoo
kmcdevitt@memphiszoo.org
901-333-6567
Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 | Cell: 727-439-0136
About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.
