Are There Whale Sharks At The Georgia Aquarium
Introduction
The Georgia Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is home to thousands of aquatic animals, including whale sharks. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea and are a sight to behold. Visitors often wonder if they can see these magnificent creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. In this article, we will explore whether there are whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium or not.
What Are Whale Sharks?
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 40 feet in length and weighing up to 20 tons. They are filter feeders and eat mostly plankton. Despite their size, they are gentle giants and pose no threat to humans. Whale sharks are a popular attraction at many aquariums around the world.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, housing over 100,000 animals of 700 different species. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors every year. The aquarium has several exhibits that showcase different aquatic animals, including whale sharks.
Do They Have Whale Sharks?
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium has whale sharks. In fact, it is one of the few aquariums in the world that has whale sharks in captivity. The aquarium has four whale sharks, two males and two females. They are housed in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which is the largest exhibit in the aquarium. The exhibit holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to thousands of other aquatic animals, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and giant groupers.
Conservation Efforts
The Georgia Aquarium is not only a place for entertainment but also a center for research and conservation. The aquarium is dedicated to the welfare of aquatic animals and has several programs aimed at protecting endangered species. The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are part of a breeding program aimed at increasing their population in the wild. The aquarium also conducts research on whale sharks and their behavior, which helps in the conservation efforts.
Conclusion
If you are planning to visit the Georgia Aquarium and want to see whale sharks, then you are in luck. The aquarium has four whale sharks that you can see up close. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is a must-visit and is home to thousands of other aquatic animals. The Georgia Aquarium is not only a place for entertainment but also a center for research and conservation. It is a great place to learn about aquatic animals and their importance in our ecosystem.
