Feeding Whale Shark At Georgia Aquarium
Introduction
Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, is home to thousands of fascinating sea creatures. One of the most impressive animals on display is the whale shark, the largest fish in the world. Visitors can witness these gentle giants up close and even participate in feeding them. Let's take a closer look at what feeding time is like for the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium.
What are Whale Sharks?
Whale sharks are slow-moving, filter-feeding sharks that can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh up to 20 tons. Despite their massive size, they are gentle creatures that feed on small fish and plankton. Whale sharks are found in tropical waters around the world and are considered a vulnerable species due to overfishing and habitat destruction.
Feeding Time at Georgia Aquarium
Feeding time for the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium is a unique experience for both visitors and the animals themselves. The aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor aquatic habitat in the world, containing over 6 million gallons of water. The exhibit is home to four whale sharks, along with other species such as manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of fish.
During feeding time, visitors gather around the exhibit to watch as the aquarium staff feed the whale sharks. The staff uses long poles with buckets of food attached to reach the sharks, who swim up to the surface to eat. Visitors can see the massive jaws of the whale sharks open up to reveal their rows of teeth as they consume their meal.
Participating in Feeding
For those who want to get even closer to the whale sharks, Georgia Aquarium offers the opportunity to participate in feeding them. The aquarium's "Journey with Gentle Giants" program allows visitors to snorkel or dive in the Ocean Voyager exhibit alongside the whale sharks and other animals.
Participants in the program also get to assist the aquarium staff in feeding the whale sharks. They help prepare the food buckets and use the long poles to deliver the meals to the sharks. This is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close and make a real difference in their care.
The Importance of Conservation
While seeing whale sharks up close is a thrilling experience, it's important to remember the importance of conservation efforts for these animals. As mentioned earlier, whale sharks are a vulnerable species due to human impacts on their habitat and food sources. Georgia Aquarium is actively involved in conservation efforts for whale sharks and other marine life through research, education, and advocacy.
Visitors to the aquarium can learn more about these efforts and how they can help protect these amazing creatures. By supporting conservation initiatives and making responsible choices in our daily lives, we can help ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of whale sharks and other marine life.
Conclusion
Feeding time for the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium is a truly unique experience that allows visitors to witness these gentle giants up close. Whether watching from the sidelines or participating in feeding as part of the "Journey with Gentle Giants" program, visitors are sure to be amazed by the size and grace of these magnificent creatures. Let's continue to support conservation efforts for whale sharks and other marine life so that they may continue to thrive for generations to come.
