Kentucky attraction nominated for USA Today readers’ choice award. Here’s how to vote

A Kentucky aquarium has been nominated by USA Today for its 10Best aquariums in the U.S. honor, and you could help it win the recognition.

The Newport Aquarium is one of 20 aquariums up for the readers’ choice award. As of Wednesday, the Newport Aquarium is at ninth place on the leader board, while an aquarium in New Orleans is holding the top spot.

Madison Brady, public relations manager with Newport Aquarium, said one of the things that makes the destination unique is its constant updates and new exhibits.

“I always tell people if you haven’t been to the aquarium in a year, then you haven’t attended the aquarium,” Brady said. “It’s constantly changing and updating, and it’s just a great place to spend time.”

The newest exhibit is called Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus.

“That is a rotating collection of octopuses and deep sea creatures that you normally wouldn’t see without going all the way to the bottom of the ocean,” Brady said.

Brady said the aquarium’s mission is the most important aspect to highlight.

“We’re really focused on bringing people closer to animals and ... making that really memorable connection with them,” Brady said. “So that way, when they go home, like when little ones go home, they want to do what they can to protect their animals.”

Brady mentioned a resident chinstrap penguin who is currently 37 years old, twice the life expectancy of that kind of penguin.

“[That] really speaks to the care that we give our animals,” Brady said.

You can vote every day for Newport Aquarium on USA Today’s website. The deadline to vote is May 13 at noon. USA Today will announce the winners May 22.

Planning your trip to Newport Aquarium

The cost for a one-day admission ticket ranges from $22.99 to $39.99, according to the website, with discounts for children available. The aquarium is located at 1 Levee Way in Newport.

You should purchase tickets in advance before visiting the aquarium, and you can also select a time and day for your visit. Annual memberships are also available and range from $59.99 to $109.99.

The aquarium’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

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