The Biggest Aquarium In The Us
Introduction
The United States is home to some of the most amazing aquariums in the world. However, one aquarium stands out from the rest, and that is the Georgia Aquarium. It is the largest aquarium in the US and one of the largest in the world. The aquarium opened its doors in 2005 and has since become a major attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Size and Capacity
The Georgia Aquarium has a staggering 10 million gallons of water that houses over 100,000 animals. The aquarium is so big that it can hold more water than the combined total of all the aquariums in the US. It has 6 different galleries that are home to different species of marine life. The largest exhibit is the Ocean Voyager, which has a capacity of 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to the whale sharks.
Marine Life
The Georgia Aquarium has over 700 different species of marine life, including beluga whales, manta rays, penguins, and sea lions. The main attraction, of course, is the whale sharks. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks up close. These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh over 20,000 pounds. Other popular exhibits include the Tropical Diver, which houses various species of coral, and the Cold Water Quest, which is home to the sea otters and penguins.
Conservation Efforts
The Georgia Aquarium is not just a place for entertainment; it also plays a crucial role in marine conservation. The aquarium has a research and conservation team that works towards the protection of marine life. They conduct various research projects, including studying the behavior of the whale sharks, which helps in their conservation efforts. The aquarium also has a program where they release rehabilitated sea turtles back into the wild.
Education Programs
The Georgia Aquarium has a range of education programs for people of all ages. They have classes for children, summer camps, and even sleepovers where you can spend the night in the aquarium. The programs are designed to teach people about marine life and the importance of conservation. The aquarium also has interactive exhibits where you can touch and feel different marine animals.
Ticket Prices and Hours of Operation
The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year and has different operating hours based on the season. The ticket prices vary based on the age of the visitor and the type of ticket purchased. The general admission ticket costs $39.95 for adults, $35.95 for seniors over 65, and $33.95 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Children under the age of 3 enter for free.
Conclusion
The Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves marine life. It is not only the biggest aquarium in the US but also one of the most impressive in the world. With its vast collection of marine life, interactive exhibits, and conservation efforts, the Georgia Aquarium is an excellent place to learn about the wonders of the ocean.