Yes, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses whale sharks in its Ocean Voyager exhibit
The Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta, is home to whale sharks — the world's largest fish species. The aquarium opened in 2005 and has kept whale sharks since its opening. The Ocean Voyager exhibit, the largest tank in the building, holds multiple whale sharks along with manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish.
The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is designed to mimic the open ocean. Whale sharks in the exhibit are fed a diet of fish eggs and plankton-based food, since they are filter feeders in the wild. The aquarium's whale sharks range in size, with some reaching lengths of 20 to 30 feet.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit contains multiple whale sharks, making it one of only a few places in North America where you can see them in person.
- Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and fish eggs, and the aquarium replicates this feeding method in captivity.
- The Ocean Voyager tank is one of the largest indoor aquarium exhibits in the world, holding 6.3 million gallons of saltwater.
- Whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium have been studied by marine researchers to better understand the species in controlled environments.
What the Ocean Voyager exhibit looks like when you visit
The Ocean Voyager is a walk-through and viewing experience. You enter through an underwater tunnel where the whale sharks swim directly above and around you. The tank is 190 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. The tunnel itself is 100 feet long and gives visitors an eye-level view of the whale sharks as they move through the water.
The exhibit also displays manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, jacks, and smaller reef fish. The lighting and water clarity are designed to show the animals' natural behavior. Most visitors spend 10 to 15 minutes in the tunnel, though you can move through at your own pace. The exhibit is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How many whale sharks live at the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium has housed between three and four whale sharks at different times since 2005. The number has changed over the years due to the natural lifespan of the animals and decisions made by the aquarium's veterinary and animal care teams. As of recent years, the aquarium maintains multiple whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
Each whale shark is tracked individually by the aquarium staff and monitored for health, growth, and behavior. The aquarium participates in research programs that study whale shark biology, feeding patterns, and social behavior. This research is shared with other marine institutions and conservation organizations.
Why whale sharks are difficult to keep in captivity
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and keeping them alive in tanks requires enormous resources. They need massive amounts of space to swim and turn, and they must be fed constantly because they filter thousands of gallons of water per day to find food. The Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager was specifically designed to meet these needs.
Whale sharks are also sensitive to stress and water quality changes. The aquarium maintains strict temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels in the Ocean Voyager tank. The filtration system runs continuously and processes the entire tank's water multiple times per day. Any significant change in water conditions can harm the whale sharks, so the aquarium employs a dedicated team to monitor the exhibit 24 hours a day.
How the Georgia Aquarium obtained its whale sharks
The Georgia Aquarium's first whale sharks were brought to the facility before it opened in 2005. They were collected from the wild in cooperation with marine authorities and transported to Atlanta. The process of capturing, transporting, and acclimating whale sharks to captivity is complex and requires permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Since the initial arrivals, the aquarium has not added new whale sharks from the wild. Any changes to the whale shark population have been managed through the aquarium's own breeding and care programs or through transfers with other facilities. The aquarium prioritizes the health and welfare of the animals in its care.
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium to see the whale sharks
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round and is located at 225 Baker Street NW in Atlanta. General admission includes access to all exhibits, including Ocean Voyager. Ticket prices vary by age and whether you purchase online or at the gate. The aquarium offers discounts for Georgia residents, military members, and groups.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is one of the most popular areas in the aquarium, so it can be crowded during peak hours. Visiting on weekday mornings or during the off-season (fall and winter) typically means shorter waits. The aquarium's website lists current hours and any temporary closures. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though fees explore.
What whale sharks eat and how the aquarium feeds them
In the wild, whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton, fish eggs, and small fish. They swim with their mouths open and strain food from the water. The Georgia Aquarium replicates this feeding method by introducing plankton-based food and fish eggs into the Ocean Voyager tank. The whale sharks consume this food naturally as it drifts through the water.
The aquarium works with nutritionists and marine biologists to may support the whale sharks receive a balanced diet. The food is specially prepared and introduced at specific times and locations in the tank. Feeding the whale sharks is a daily task that requires careful planning and monitoring to may support each animal eats enough to maintain its health and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you touch the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is designed for viewing only, and there are barriers between the tunnel and the tank. Touching the animals would stress them and disrupt their natural behavior. The aquarium's staff are the only people who handle the whale sharks, and only when necessary for medical care or feeding.
Are whale sharks dangerous to humans?
Whale sharks are not dangerous to humans. They are filter feeders and do not hunt large prey. They are generally docile and slow-moving. In the wild, whale sharks sometimes allow divers to swim near them, though this is not permitted at the Georgia Aquarium. The whale sharks in the exhibit show no aggression toward visitors viewing them through the tunnel.
How long do whale sharks live?
Whale sharks can live 70 years or more in the wild, though their exact lifespan is not fully understood because they are difficult to study. In captivity, their lifespan may be shorter due to the stress of confinement and the challenges of replicating their natural environment. The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks have lived for many years in the facility.
What is the difference between a whale shark and a great white shark?
Whale sharks and great white sharks are both sharks, but they are very different animals. Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, while great white sharks are predators that hunt large prey. Whale sharks are much larger than great whites and are generally docile. Great whites are aggressive hunters and are considered dangerous to humans. The Georgia Aquarium does not house great white sharks.
Can whale sharks survive in freshwater?
No, whale sharks are saltwater fish and cannot survive in freshwater. They require the specific salinity and mineral content of ocean water. The Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager tank is filled with saltwater that is carefully maintained to match the conditions of the whale sharks' natural habitat. Freshwater would be fatal to them.