World's Largest Aquarium In Georgia
Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, is the world's largest aquarium. It was opened to the public on November 23, 2005, and since then, it has been a major tourist attraction. The aquarium is home to over 100,000 animals, representing 700 species.
History of Georgia Aquarium
The idea of building the Georgia Aquarium was first proposed in 2001 by Bernard Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot. He donated $250 million to build the aquarium, and construction began in 2002. The aquarium was designed by Peter Chermayeff of Peter Chermayeff LLC and was built by the architecture firm Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates. It took three years to complete the construction, and the aquarium opened in 2005.
Exhibits at Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium has six galleries, each representing different aquatic habitats. The galleries are:
- Ocean Voyager
- River Scout
- Tropical Diver
- Dolphin Celebration
- Cold Water Quest
- Sea Lions at SunTrust Pier 225
The Ocean Voyager gallery is the largest exhibit, and it is home to four whale sharks, four manta rays, and thousands of other fish species. The gallery has a 100-foot-long tunnel, which allows visitors to walk through the exhibit and see the marine life from all angles.
Conservation Efforts
Georgia Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction but also a leader in conservation efforts. The aquarium has several programs to conserve marine life and educate people about the importance of protecting the ocean. The aquarium's research team conducts studies on animal behavior, biology, and conservation. The aquarium also has a program to rescue and rehabilitate stranded marine animals.
Visiting Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is open to the public every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The aquarium's opening hours vary throughout the year, so it's best to check the website before planning a visit. Visitors can buy tickets online or at the aquarium. The aquarium also offers special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and sleepover programs.
Conclusion
Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. The aquarium's size and diversity of marine species make it a unique experience. The aquarium's conservation efforts are also noteworthy and make it a responsible tourist attraction. If you're planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, make sure to add Georgia Aquarium to your itinerary.
