The Georgia Aquarium's Whale Sharks Are Real and on Display

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds four whale sharks — the largest fish species in the world. All four live in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the aquarium's largest tank, which holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater. The whale sharks have been there since the aquarium opened in 2005, and they remain one of the main reasons people visit.

Whale sharks are filter feeders, not hunters. They eat plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouths open. At the Georgia Aquarium, they share the Ocean Voyager tank with manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, and other large fish. The tank is designed to mimic the open ocean, with enough space for the whale sharks to swim naturally.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium houses four whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the largest tank in the facility.
  • Whale sharks are the world's largest fish but eat only plankton and small organisms, not large prey.
  • The Ocean Voyager tank also contains manta rays, sea turtles, and groupers alongside the whale sharks.
  • The whale sharks have lived at the Georgia Aquarium since 2005 and are visible to visitors daily during operating hours.

How Big Are the Georgia Aquarium's Whale Sharks

The four whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium range in size. The largest, named Ralph, is over 17 feet long. The others are smaller but still substantial — whale sharks in captivity typically grow to between 15 and 20 feet, though in the wild they can reach 40 feet or more.

Despite their size, whale sharks are gentle. They do not have teeth designed for biting large animals. Instead, they have thousands of tiny teeth that play almost no role in feeding — they straightforward swim forward with their mouths open and filter plankton through gill rakers, structures that act like a sieve.

Where to See Them in the Aquarium

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is on the main floor of the Georgia Aquarium. It is the first major tank most visitors encounter after entering. The exhibit wraps around a central viewing area, so you can see the whale sharks from multiple angles and distances.

The best viewing times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon, when the aquarium is less crowded and the whale sharks are most active. The tank has both above-water and below-water viewing windows, so you can watch the sharks from the side or look up at them from below.

What Else Lives in the Ocean Voyager Tank

The whale sharks share their space with manta rays, which are also large filter feeders. The tank also holds several species of sea turtles, groupers, jacks, and smaller reef fish. This mix mimics a natural ocean environment where different species coexist.

The manta rays are often as much of a draw as the whale sharks. They glide through the water with a grace that contrasts with the whale sharks' more direct swimming style. Sea turtles move slowly along the bottom and sides of the tank, and visitors often spend time watching them.

How the Aquarium Cares for Whale Sharks

Keeping whale sharks alive in captivity is complex. The Georgia Aquarium's team monitors water quality constantly — temperature, salinity, pH, and oxygen levels must stay within narrow ranges. The tank is filtered and cleaned continuously to remove waste and maintain the environment.

Feeding is also specialized. In the wild, whale sharks eat plankton by filtering seawater. In the aquarium, staff feed them a mixture of plankton, fish eggs, and other small organisms. The sharks are fed multiple times per day, and the amount is adjusted based on their size and health.

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium to See the Whale Sharks

The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. It is open most days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by season. Admission costs vary depending on the type of ticket — general admission, membership, and special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours are all available.

Parking is available in nearby lots and garages. Public transportation — the MARTA rail system — stops near the aquarium. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed. Most visitors spend two to four hours in the aquarium, though you can move through faster if you focus only on the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

Why Whale Sharks Matter in Aquariums

Whale sharks are endangered in the wild. Their populations have declined due to fishing, ship strikes, and habitat loss. Aquariums like Georgia's play a role in education and research. By displaying whale sharks, the aquarium teaches visitors about the species and why ocean conservation matters.

The Georgia Aquarium also participates in research programs that study whale shark behavior, health, and biology. Information learned from the sharks in captivity helps scientists understand the species better and informs conservation efforts in the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you touch the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?

No. The whale sharks are behind thick acrylic glass at all times. Touching is not permitted, and the glass is designed to keep visitors at a safe distance while allowing clear viewing. Some special experiences may offer closer encounters, but standard admission does not include direct contact.

How long do whale sharks live in captivity?

Whale sharks in the wild are thought to live 100 to 150 years, though exact lifespans are not well documented. In captivity, they typically live 20 to 30 years. The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks have been there since 2005, so they have lived in captivity for nearly two decades.

Are the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium the only ones in the United States?

The Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States that houses whale sharks. A few other aquariums worldwide have them, including facilities in Mexico, China, and the Middle East. The Georgia Aquarium's collection is one of the largest outside of Asia.

What do whale sharks eat, and how often?

Whale sharks eat plankton, fish eggs, and small organisms. In the wild, they filter-feed by swimming through plankton-rich water. At the Georgia Aquarium, they are fed a prepared mixture multiple times per day. The exact diet and feeding schedule are adjusted based on the sharks' health and the aquarium's research goals.

Is the Georgia Aquarium expensive to visit?

General admission prices vary but typically range from $30 to $40 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Membership and special experiences cost more. Many visitors find the Ocean Voyager exhibit alone worth the cost, though the aquarium has many other exhibits as well.