The Georgia Aquarium is home to whale sharks
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses whale sharks. The aquarium has had whale sharks since it opened in 2005 and continues to display them in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the largest tank in the building. The whale sharks are among the most popular attractions at the facility.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish species. They can grow to 40 feet or longer and weigh as much as 20 tons. Despite their size, they eat only plankton and small fish, filtering water through their gills rather than hunting larger prey.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium displays whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which opened with the facility in 2005.
- Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world but are gentle filter feeders that eat only plankton and small organisms.
- The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is designed to replicate the whale shark's natural ocean environment.
- You can see the whale sharks during regular aquarium hours, though the number of sharks on display may change over time.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit and tank size
The Ocean Voyager is the centerpiece of the Georgia Aquarium. The tank holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater and measures 209 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 33 feet deep. This massive size allows the whale sharks to move naturally and reduces stress on the animals.
The exhibit also houses manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish species. The tank is designed to mimic the open ocean, with a sandy bottom and rock formations that provide shelter for smaller animals. The water temperature and salinity are carefully controlled to match the whale shark's natural habitat.
How many whale sharks live at the Georgia Aquarium
The number of whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium has varied over the years. The facility has housed multiple whale sharks since opening, though the exact count changes as animals are born, transferred to other facilities, or pass away. The aquarium's website and visitor information will show the current number of sharks on display.
Whale sharks in captivity require specialized care, including precise water conditions and a steady food supply. The Georgia Aquarium works with other institutions and marine research organizations to may support the health and well-being of its whale sharks.
What you'll see when you visit
When you visit the Ocean Voyager exhibit, you can watch the whale sharks swim through the massive tank. The sharks often move slowly through the water, filtering plankton as they go. Viewing areas allow you to see the sharks from different angles, including through the main acrylic panel and from upper levels.
The aquarium provides information placards throughout the exhibit that explain whale shark behavior, biology, and conservation. Staff members are often available to answer questions about the sharks and other animals in the tank. The exhibit is open during regular aquarium hours, though specific viewing times may vary by season.
Whale shark conservation and why they matter
Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Their populations face threats from fishing, ship strikes, and habitat loss in the wild. The Georgia Aquarium participates in research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting whale sharks in their natural ocean environments.
By displaying whale sharks, the aquarium raises public awareness about these animals and the importance of ocean conservation. The facility funds research into whale shark migration, breeding, and behavior that helps inform protection strategies worldwide.
Planning your visit to see the whale sharks
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street. It is open year-round, though hours vary by season and day of the week. You can check the aquarium's official website for current hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibits or events.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is one of the main attractions and is accessible during all regular operating hours. The aquarium can be crowded during peak times, so arriving early or visiting on weekdays may give you a better viewing experience. The facility also offers special programs and behind-the-scenes tours that may provide additional information about the whale sharks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you touch the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks. They are viewed from designated areas outside the tank. The separation protects both the animals and visitors and is required for the safety and well-being of the sharks.
Are the whale sharks born at the Georgia Aquarium or brought from the ocean?
The Georgia Aquarium has housed whale sharks that were both born in captivity and collected from the wild. Breeding whale sharks in captivity is extremely difficult, so most sharks in the exhibit were originally captured from the ocean, though some may have been born at the facility or transferred from other aquariums.
How long do whale sharks live?
In the wild, whale sharks are believed to live 100 to 150 years or longer, though exact lifespans are not well documented. In captivity, they typically live shorter lives due to the challenges of recreating their natural environment, though the Georgia Aquarium works to provide the best possible care.
What do the whale sharks eat at the aquarium?
The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are fed a diet of plankton and small fish species that mimics their natural diet. The aquarium staff carefully manages feeding to may support the sharks receive proper nutrition while maintaining water quality in the tank.