The Largest Aquarium In The Us
Introduction
The United States is home to some of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. But which one is the largest of them all? The answer is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia.
History
The Georgia Aquarium opened its doors to the public in November 2005. It was built on land donated by The Coca-Cola Company and was funded by a $250 million donation from Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot.
Size
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the US, spanning over 600,000 square feet. It houses more than 100,000 animals belonging to over 700 different species. The aquarium is so massive that it contains more than 10 million gallons of water.
Exhibits
The Georgia Aquarium is home to several exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is one of the most popular. It features a 100-foot-long tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a tank filled with thousands of fish, including whale sharks and manta rays. Other exhibits include the Tropical Diver exhibit which features brightly colored fish and coral reefs, and the River Scout exhibit which showcases the aquatic life found in Georgia's rivers.
Notable Animals
The Georgia Aquarium is home to several notable animals, including four beluga whales named Qinu, Grayson, Nunavik, and Imaq. It also has several whale sharks, the largest of which is named Trixie. The aquarium is also home to several manta rays, including Nandi, the first manta ray to be born in captivity.
Conservation Efforts
The Georgia Aquarium is committed to conservation efforts and has several programs in place to protect marine life. It partners with several organizations to conduct research and conservation efforts, including the Sea Turtle Conservancy and the Coral Restoration Foundation. The aquarium also participates in several breeding programs to help preserve endangered species.
Ticket Prices
The Georgia Aquarium offers several ticket options, including general admission, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters. General admission tickets start at $39.95 for adults and $33.95 for children. Prices vary for the other ticket options.
Conclusion
The Georgia Aquarium is not only the largest aquarium in the US, but it is also one of the best. Its diverse exhibits, notable animals, and conservation efforts make it a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life. If you're ever in Atlanta, be sure to stop by and see it for yourself.