Yes, Georgia Aquarium Has Whale Sharks
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to whale sharks, the world's largest fish. The aquarium holds four whale sharks in its Ocean Voyager exhibit, a 6.3-million-gallon tank that also contains manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish. The whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium are named Trixie, Ralph, Norton, and Alice.
Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish. In the wild, they live in tropical and subtropical oceans. At Georgia Aquarium, they are fed a specially formulated diet designed to match their nutritional needs in captivity. The exhibit recreates ocean conditions including water temperature, salinity, and currents to keep the animals healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia Aquarium houses four whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, making it one of only a few facilities in North America with these animals.
- The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is designed to accommodate the whale sharks' size and swimming patterns.
- Whale sharks at the aquarium are fed a specialized diet of plankton and small fish multiple times per day.
- The exhibit also contains manta rays, sea turtles, and groupers, creating a diverse marine environment similar to natural reef systems.
The Ocean Voyager Exhibit Layout
The Ocean Voyager is Georgia Aquarium's largest exhibit and one of the largest in the world. Visitors can view the whale sharks from multiple levels, including an underwater acrylic tunnel that allows you to see the animals swimming directly overhead. The tank is 203 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 30 feet deep.
The exhibit is divided into different zones that recreate various ocean habitats. The whale sharks occupy the main open-water section where they have room to swim long distances. Manta rays glide through the same space, and smaller fish school in different areas. The design allows each species to move naturally rather than being confined to small spaces.
How the Whale Sharks Are Cared For
Georgia Aquarium employs marine biologists and veterinarians who monitor the whale sharks' health daily. The animals are weighed regularly, and their behavior is tracked to catch any signs of illness early. The aquarium's staff also works with other facilities to share information about whale shark care in captivity.
The water in Ocean Voyager is constantly filtered and treated to maintain the right temperature and chemical balance. Whale sharks need cooler water than many tropical fish, so the exhibit uses a sophisticated cooling system. The aquarium also maintains proper salinity levels to match the sharks' natural ocean environment.
Viewing the Whale Sharks
The best time to see the whale sharks actively feeding is during scheduled feeding times, which typically occur twice daily. During feeding, the sharks come to the surface and open their mouths to filter food from the water. Staff members announce feeding times, and crowds gather to watch the behavior.
If you visit during non-feeding hours, the whale sharks are still visible throughout the exhibit. They swim at a steady pace and often pass through the underwater tunnel. The tunnel offers the closest view, though the sharks can also be seen from the main viewing areas above the tank.
What Makes Whale Sharks Special
Whale sharks are the largest fish species on Earth, with some individuals reaching lengths of 40 feet or more. Despite their size, they are gentle filter feeders that pose no threat to humans. They eat by swimming through schools of small fish and plankton with their mouths open, straining food through their gill plates.
In the wild, whale sharks are found in warm ocean waters near the equator. They migrate long distances following food sources. Their population is listed as vulnerable due to fishing pressure and habitat loss. Seeing whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium provides insight into these animals' behavior and the importance of ocean conservation.
Other Animals in Ocean Voyager
The whale sharks share their exhibit with several other large marine animals. Manta rays, which can have wingspans of up to 23 feet, glide gracefully through the water. Sea turtles, groupers, and jacks also inhabit the tank. This mixed-species environment is designed to reflect natural reef ecosystems where these animals coexist.
The variety of animals in Ocean Voyager means there is always something to observe. Smaller fish school in tight formations, while larger animals move more slowly through the water. The interaction between species creates a dynamic viewing experience that changes throughout your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium?
The whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium range from 20 to 27 feet in length. They are smaller than the largest whale sharks found in the wild, but still massive compared to most other fish. The aquarium's tank is sized to accommodate their growth and movement patterns.
Can you touch the whale sharks?
No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks or any animals in the exhibit. The tank has barriers to keep people at a safe distance. This protects both the animals and visitors. Some aquariums offer touch pools with smaller, non-threatening species, but whale sharks are viewed only from designated viewing areas.
How long do whale sharks live in captivity?
Whale sharks in captivity typically live 10 to 20 years, though lifespan data is limited because few facilities house them. In the wild, scientists estimate they may live 100 to 150 years or longer, but this is difficult to verify. Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks have been in the exhibit since it opened in 2005.
What do whale sharks eat at the aquarium?
Georgia Aquarium feeds its whale sharks a diet of plankton, fish larvae, and small fish species. The food is specially selected to match their natural diet as closely as possible. Feeding occurs multiple times daily, and the amount is adjusted based on each shark's size and health.
Is Georgia Aquarium the only place in the US with whale sharks?
Georgia Aquarium is one of only a few facilities in North America with whale sharks. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California also houses whale sharks, though it has had fewer animals in recent years. Most aquariums cannot accommodate whale sharks because of the tank size and specialized care required.