The creatures coming out this month for Thrills, Gills & Chills at the Tennessee Aquarium include bright new birds and a big-eyed gecko.
The birds are galahs, also known as rose-breasted cockatoos, a pink-crested species native to Australia. The Aquarium's two males are "very colorful and chatty birds," said senior aviculturist Amy Graves.
They also are high-energy with a bit of an attitude.
"When they get excited their crest will come up, followed by head bobs and some very sharp and very shrill squeaks and screeches," she said.
Visitors also can expect to see a New Caledonian gecko, characterized by oversize eyes, during the monthlong look at spooky, mysterious and misunderstood creatures.
"This is the largest species of gecko in the world," said animal encounter specialist Amanda Pippen. "The residents of New Caledonia sometimes refer to these guys as 'the devil in the trees' because they often make weird growling noises in the trees at night."
In spite of the fierce nickname, these creatures have soft skin that feels like velvet.
Visitors also can meet "Creatures of the Night" during a special stage program each morning at 10:45 as part of Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari. Dozens of other amazing animals from a flying squirrel to a praying mantis are part of the fun, along with special feedings, costumed divers and themed keeper talks.
As an added treat, visitors during October can mention "Fall Break" to save $5 off each child admission.