The Georgia Aquarium holds four whale sharks as of 2025

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to four whale sharks: Trixie, Ralph, Norton, and Alice. These are the largest fish in the world, and the aquarium's whale shark tank — called the Ocean Voyager exhibit — is one of the few places in North America where you can see them in person. The tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is designed to mimic the open ocean environment these animals need.

Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, not large prey, despite their enormous size. At the Georgia Aquarium, they are fed a specially prepared diet that includes fish, squid, and other marine organisms. The four sharks at the facility range in size, with some approaching 40 feet in length.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium houses four whale sharks: Trixie, Ralph, Norton, and Alice, all living in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
  • The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is one of the largest aquarium exhibits in the world.
  • Whale sharks are the largest fish species on Earth and eat only plankton and small fish, not large animals.
  • The aquarium's whale shark population has remained stable at four individuals since the exhibit opened in 2005.

The Ocean Voyager exhibit and its design

The Ocean Voyager exhibit opened in 2005 and was built specifically to house whale sharks and other large pelagic fish. The tank is 203 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 30 feet deep — dimensions designed to give the sharks enough space to swim naturally. The exhibit also contains manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, and hundreds of other fish species that share the same water column.

The filtration and life support systems that keep the tank running are among the most advanced in the world. The water is constantly circulated, filtered, and monitored to maintain the right temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. The aquarium staff performs regular health checks on all four whale sharks to may support they are thriving.

Where the Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks came from

Three of the four whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium were collected from the wild in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Trixie and Ralph were brought to the aquarium when it opened in 2005. Norton arrived later. Alice, the fourth shark, was born in the aquarium — making her the first whale shark born in captivity in North America.

The decision to house whale sharks in captivity remains debated among marine biologists and animal welfare advocates. The Georgia Aquarium argues that the sharks receive excellent care and that the exhibit educates millions of visitors about these endangered animals. The aquarium also participates in research programs that study whale shark behavior and health.

Whale shark size and lifespan in the aquarium

Whale sharks in the wild can reach lengths of 40 to 50 feet or more, though most are smaller. The sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are among the largest fish in the facility, and their size is one of the main reasons visitors come to see them. The largest of the four is noticeably bigger than the others, though all four are impressive in scale.

The lifespan of whale sharks is not fully understood, but scientists believe they can live 70 years or more in the wild. In captivity, the Georgia Aquarium's sharks have lived for decades, suggesting that the facility provides conditions that support long-term survival. The oldest shark at the aquarium has been there since the exhibit opened in 2005.

Visiting the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the main attraction at the Georgia Aquarium and is included with general admission. Visitors can view the whale sharks from multiple levels — from an underwater acrylic panel that allows close-up viewing, and from upper levels that provide a broader perspective of the entire tank. The exhibit is open during regular aquarium hours, which vary by season.

The aquarium offers additional experiences for visitors who want to learn more about whale sharks, including talks by aquarium staff and interactive programs. Some visitors travel specifically to see the whale sharks, as they are rare in captivity and not found in most other aquariums in the United States.

Why whale sharks are endangered

Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, meaning their population is declining in the wild. Threats include fishing (both intentional and accidental), ship strikes, pollution, and loss of habitat. In some parts of the world, whale sharks are hunted for their fins and meat, though international protections have reduced this threat in many regions.

The Georgia Aquarium's whale shark exhibit serves as a way to raise awareness about these threats. Many visitors see the sharks for the first time at the aquarium and learn about conservation efforts. The aquarium also supports research into whale shark migration, feeding behavior, and population health in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you touch the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?

No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks. The exhibit is designed for viewing only, with barriers in place to protect both the sharks and the public. The closest you can get is viewing through the acrylic underwater panel in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

How often do the whale sharks eat?

The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are fed regularly throughout the week. The exact feeding schedule varies based on the sharks' health and appetite, but they consume a diet of fish, squid, and other marine organisms prepared by the aquarium's nutritionists.

Are the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium healthy?

Yes, the four whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are monitored closely by veterinarians and marine biologists. Regular health checks, blood work, and behavioral observations are part of the routine care. The sharks have lived for many years at the facility, which indicates they are receiving appropriate care.

Can whale sharks breed in captivity?

Alice, one of the four whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, was born in captivity, making her the first whale shark born in a North American aquarium. However, breeding whale sharks in captivity remains rare and difficult, and most whale sharks in aquariums are wild-caught or their offspring.