Yes, the Georgia Aquarium still has whale sharks, and they remain the main draw

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to four whale sharks as of now. The most famous is Trixie, who arrived in 2006 and is the longest-lived whale shark in captivity. You will see her in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the massive 6.3-million-gallon tank that dominates the aquarium's center. The other three whale sharks — Ralph, Norton, and Echo — share the same habitat.

Whale sharks are the world's largest fish, and seeing one in person is the reason most people visit this aquarium. They are filter feeders, meaning they eat plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouths open. At the Georgia Aquarium, the staff feeds them a specialized diet several times a week, and you can watch the feeding process if you time your visit right.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium houses four whale sharks: Trixie, Ralph, Norton, and Echo, all in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
  • Trixie, the oldest whale shark in captivity, has lived at the aquarium since 2006 and is the primary attraction.
  • Whale shark feedings happen several times a week, and you can watch the process during regular aquarium hours.
  • The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and contains other large marine animals alongside the whale sharks.

What to expect when you see the whale sharks

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is designed so you view the whale sharks from multiple levels and angles. The main viewing area is a massive acrylic panel where you can watch the sharks swim at close range. The tank also holds manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of smaller fish, so there is always activity to observe.

Whale sharks move slowly and deliberately through the water. They can reach lengths of 40 feet or more, so even from a distance they are impossible to miss. Most visitors spend at least 15 to 20 minutes at the Ocean Voyager exhibit because the sheer size of the animals and the tank itself creates a meditative viewing experience.

Feeding times and how to plan your visit

The aquarium does not publish a fixed feeding schedule online, so your best option is to call ahead or ask staff when you arrive. Feedings typically happen in the morning or early afternoon, but the exact time varies by day. Staff members will often announce upcoming feedings over the loudspeaker, so listen for that if you are already in the building.

If you want to see a feeding, arrive early in the day and check with an employee near the Ocean Voyager exhibit. They can tell you whether a feeding is planned and when it will happen. Feedings are brief — usually 10 to 15 minutes — but they show you how the whale sharks interact with food and with each other.

Why whale sharks are difficult to keep in captivity

Whale sharks are migratory animals in the wild, traveling thousands of miles across ocean basins. Keeping them in a tank, even one as large as Ocean Voyager, is a significant undertaking. The Georgia Aquarium's staff monitors water quality, temperature, and nutrition constantly to keep the animals healthy.

The aquarium has faced criticism over the years from animal welfare advocates who argue that whale sharks should not be in captivity at all. The aquarium counters that its whale shark program generates research data and raises public awareness about the species. Whether you agree with that position or not, the whale sharks at Georgia are well-cared-for and have lived longer in captivity than whale sharks at other facilities.

Other animals in the Ocean Voyager exhibit

The whale sharks share their tank with manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, jacks, and hundreds of other fish species. The manta rays are particularly striking — they have wingspans up to 20 feet and glide through the water with a grace that contrasts with the whale sharks' more ponderous movement. The sea turtles are smaller and more active, often swimming near the viewing panels.

This mixed-species tank mimics the open ocean environment more closely than a whale shark-only exhibit would. It also gives you multiple reasons to spend time at the exhibit, since there is always something different to watch depending on where you look.

Admission and hours

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street. General admission prices vary by age and whether you purchase online in advance or at the gate. The aquarium is open year-round, though hours change seasonally — typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should check the official website before you visit because hours shift during holidays and special events.

Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though rates vary. Public transportation via MARTA (the Atlanta transit system) also serves the aquarium, with the Peachtree Center station nearby. Plan for at least two to three hours to see the whale sharks and other major exhibits without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Trixie the whale shark?

Trixie was born in the wild and arrived at the Georgia Aquarium in 2006. Her exact age is not publicly documented, but she is the oldest whale shark known to be living in captivity. She remains active and healthy in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

Can you touch the whale sharks?

No. The whale sharks are viewed from behind acrylic panels and from designated viewing areas. Touching is not permitted, and the animals are not trained to interact with visitors the way some aquarium animals are.

Do the whale sharks ever leave the Ocean Voyager tank?

The whale sharks remain in the Ocean Voyager exhibit year-round. They do not rotate to other tanks or leave the aquarium. The exhibit is their permanent home.

What time of day are the whale sharks most active?

Whale sharks are generally active throughout the day, but they tend to be more visible and animated during feeding times. Morning hours often see more activity than late afternoon, though this varies day to day.

Is the Georgia Aquarium the only place in the US with whale sharks?

The Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States with whale sharks. It is one of only a handful of aquariums worldwide that house these animals, making it a unique destination for seeing them.