Yes, several major aquariums around the world keep whale sharks
Whale sharks live in only a handful of public aquariums globally. The largest and most famous is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which has housed whale sharks since it opened in 2005. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan also keeps them, as does the Dubai Mall Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates. A few other facilities have held them at different times, but these three are the most reliable places to see them on display.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish—they can reach 40 feet long or more—so only the biggest aquariums with specialized tank systems can house them. Even then, keeping them alive in captivity is difficult. Most facilities that have tried eventually returned their whale sharks to the ocean or closed their programs because the animals did not thrive in enclosed spaces.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has the longest-running whale shark program and currently displays multiple whale sharks in its Ocean Voyager exhibit.
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan and Dubai Mall Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates are the only other major facilities currently keeping whale sharks.
- Whale sharks require massive tanks with constant water circulation and specific temperature and salinity conditions that are expensive to maintain.
- Many aquariums that once kept whale sharks have stopped because the animals struggled to survive in captivity, even in large tanks.
Georgia Aquarium's whale shark program
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a 6.3-million-gallon tank. The facility has kept whale sharks continuously since opening and currently displays multiple individuals. The tank is one of the largest in the world and was specifically designed to accommodate these massive animals.
The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks came from the wild, captured in the 1990s and early 2000s. The facility has invested heavily in research about their behavior and care. Staff monitor the sharks' health constantly and work with other institutions to share information about keeping them alive in captivity.
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium requires purchasing a ticket. Hours and admission prices vary by season, so check their website before planning a trip. The whale shark exhibit is one of the main attractions, but the aquarium also displays other large marine animals including manta rays and beluga whales.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium's whale shark tank
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan keeps whale sharks in the Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds 7.5 million gallons of water. This is one of the largest acrylic panels in the world and allows visitors to view the whale sharks from multiple angles. The facility is located in Okinawa, in the southern part of Japan.
The Okinawa aquarium's whale sharks were also captured from the wild. The facility has maintained them for many years and conducts ongoing research into their behavior and dietary needs. The tank also houses manta rays, which share the same water system as the whale sharks.
The aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary seasonally. Admission requires a ticket purchased on-site or online. The facility is a major tourist attraction in Okinawa and draws visitors from across Japan and internationally.
Dubai Mall Aquarium's whale shark exhibit
The Dubai Mall Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates displays whale sharks in a large tank system within the shopping mall. The facility is smaller than the Georgia Aquarium or Okinawa Churaumi, but still maintains conditions suitable for whale sharks. The tank is visible from inside the mall, making it accessible to shoppers and tourists.
This aquarium's whale shark program is newer than the other two major facilities. The sharks are on display alongside other large fish and rays. The exhibit is part of a broader aquarium that includes a tunnel where visitors can walk beneath the tank and view marine life overhead.
Why most aquariums cannot keep whale sharks
Whale sharks are difficult to keep in captivity for several reasons. They are filter feeders that consume massive quantities of plankton and small fish daily—far more food than most aquariums can provide. They also require constant water movement to breathe properly, which demands enormous pumping systems and energy costs.
The tanks must maintain specific water temperature and salinity levels. Whale sharks come from tropical and subtropical oceans, so the water must stay warm year-round. Any fluctuation can stress the animal or introduce disease. The tank itself must be enormous—whale sharks in small enclosures show signs of stress and often refuse to eat.
Several aquariums have tried and failed to keep whale sharks long-term. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California kept a whale shark for 198 days in 2005 before releasing it back to the ocean because it was not eating well. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Los Angeles attempted to keep one but returned it to the wild after a few months. These experiences show that even world-class facilities struggle with whale shark care.
What to expect when visiting a whale shark exhibit
Whale sharks are slow-moving and peaceful, so they spend much of their time gliding through the tank. You will see them filter feeding—their mouths open wide as water flows through, trapping plankton and small organisms. They often swim near the surface, making them visible from viewing areas.
The Georgia Aquarium and Okinawa Churaumi both have large acrylic viewing panels that allow you to see the sharks up close. Some viewing areas are above water level, while others are underwater tunnels or side panels. The sheer size of the animals becomes apparent when you see them in person—they dwarf most other fish in the tank.
Visiting times and crowds vary by season and day of the week. Peak tourist seasons mean longer lines and more crowded viewing areas. Early morning visits often provide quieter viewing experiences. Check each facility's website for current hours, ticket prices, and any special programs or feeding times they may offer.
The debate over whale sharks in captivity
Marine biologists and animal welfare experts disagree about whether whale sharks should be kept in aquariums at all. Some argue that the educational value and research opportunities justify captive care. Others contend that the stress and health problems whale sharks experience in tanks outweigh any benefits.
The three facilities that currently keep whale sharks argue that their programs contribute to conservation and scientific understanding. They conduct research on whale shark behavior, nutrition, and reproduction that would be difficult to study in the wild. They also educate millions of visitors about these endangered animals.
Critics point out that whale sharks in the wild migrate thousands of miles and live in open ocean. Confining them to tanks, even large ones, restricts their natural behavior. They also note that wild whale shark populations are declining due to fishing pressure and habitat loss, and that captive breeding has never been successfully achieved—all whale sharks in aquariums were captured from the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see whale sharks anywhere else besides these three aquariums?
No major public aquariums currently display whale sharks outside of Georgia, Okinawa, and Dubai. Some smaller facilities have attempted to keep them, but none have succeeded long-term. Your best option for seeing whale sharks in person is visiting one of these three locations or taking a whale shark diving or snorkeling tour in the wild in places like Mexico, the Philippines, or Western Australia.
How much does it cost to visit an aquarium with whale sharks?
Ticket prices vary by facility and season. The Georgia Aquarium charges different rates for adults, children, and seniors, with prices typically ranging from $30 to $45 for general admission. Okinawa Churaumi and Dubai Mall Aquarium have their own pricing structures. Check each facility's website for current prices, as they change seasonally and may include special packages or discounts.
Are whale sharks dangerous to humans in aquariums?
No. Whale sharks are filter feeders and do not hunt large prey. They are not aggressive toward humans. In aquariums, they are separated from visitors by thick acrylic panels or water barriers, so there is no direct contact. They are among the safest large animals to observe in captivity.
How long do whale sharks live in aquariums?
Whale shark lifespans in captivity vary widely. Some have lived 10 to 15 years in facilities like the Georgia Aquarium, while others have survived only months. In the wild, whale sharks are believed to live 70 years or longer, so captive lifespans are significantly shorter. The stress of confinement and difficulty meeting their dietary and environmental needs contribute to shorter lifespans in tanks.
Will more aquariums add whale sharks in the future?
It is unlikely. The high cost of construction, maintenance, and specialized care, combined with the difficulty of keeping them alive, makes new whale shark programs rare. Most major aquariums have concluded that the challenges outweigh the benefits. Any future programs would require significant advances in understanding whale shark care or major funding commitments from institutions willing to invest in the necessary infrastructure.