Largest Aquarium In The Western Hemisphere
Introduction
The Georgia Aquarium is a world-class facility located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and is home to tens of thousands of animals representing hundreds of different species. The aquarium is a popular tourist destination, and attracts millions of visitors every year. In this article, we will explore the history of the Georgia Aquarium, the animals that call it home, and the exhibits and experiences that visitors can enjoy.
History
The Georgia Aquarium opened its doors to the public in November of 2005. It was built as a collaboration between the Georgia Aquarium Foundation and the Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus. The aquarium was designed by Peter Chermayeff, who also designed the iconic Boston Children's Museum.
The aquarium cost $250 million to build, and was funded entirely through private donations. It was built on land donated by the city of Atlanta, and is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, near other popular attractions like the World of Coca-Cola and the CNN Center.
Exhibits
The Georgia Aquarium is divided into several different galleries, each featuring a different group of animals. One of the most popular exhibits is the Ocean Voyager gallery, which is home to four whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Visitors can watch these gentle giants swim overhead from a 100-foot-long tunnel that runs through the exhibit.
Another popular exhibit is the Tropical Diver gallery, which showcases coral reefs and the animals that live in them. Visitors can watch as colorful fish, eels, and other creatures swim among the coral. There is also a touch tank where visitors can interact with small sharks and rays.
The aquarium is also home to several other galleries, including the Cold Water Quest, River Scout, and Dolphin Celebration galleries. Each of these galleries features a different group of animals and habitats, providing visitors with a wide variety of experiences.
Animals
The Georgia Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals representing hundreds of different species. In addition to the whale sharks, the aquarium is home to several other species of sharks, rays, and fish. There are also penguins, sea otters, and several species of birds and reptiles.
One of the most popular animals at the aquarium is the bottlenose dolphin. Visitors can watch as these intelligent creatures perform tricks and interact with their trainers during the Dolphin Celebration show. The aquarium also offers several experiences where visitors can get up close and personal with the dolphins, including the Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Immersion programs.
Experiences
In addition to viewing the exhibits and animals, the Georgia Aquarium offers several experiences that allow visitors to get even closer to the animals. These experiences include the Behind the Seas tour, where visitors can go behind the scenes and see how the aquarium cares for its animals, and the Sleep Under the Sea program, where visitors can spend the night in the aquarium and sleep next to the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
The aquarium also offers several animal encounter programs, where visitors can interact with animals like the dolphins, sea otters, and penguins. These programs range from brief encounters to more in-depth experiences, and are a great way to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
Conclusion
The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Atlanta. With its wide variety of exhibits and animals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in sharks, dolphins, or just want to see some of the most beautiful fish in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is the perfect place to spend a day.
