The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Holds the Most Whale Sharks in the United States

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the only aquarium in the United States with whale sharks on display. The facility houses four whale sharks in its Tropical Diver exhibit, a 6.3-million-gallon tank designed to replicate the open ocean. The largest of these sharks, named Trixie, has lived at the Georgia Aquarium since the facility opened in 2005.

Whale sharks are the world's largest fish species, and seeing one in person gives you a sense of their true scale that photographs cannot capture. At the Georgia Aquarium, you can watch them swim through the massive tank alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish. The exhibit is designed so visitors can view the sharks from multiple levels, including an underwater acrylic tunnel where the sharks pass directly overhead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the only U.S. aquarium currently displaying whale sharks to the public.
  • The facility houses four whale sharks in a 6.3-million-gallon tank called the Tropical Diver exhibit.
  • Whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are fed a specialized diet of fish, squid, and plankton-based preparations multiple times per day.
  • If you want to see whale sharks outside the United States, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California have housed them in the past, though current displays vary.

Why the Georgia Aquarium Was Built to Hold Whale Sharks

When the Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005, it was specifically designed to house whale sharks as part of its mission to display and study large marine animals. The facility spent years working with marine biologists and engineers to create an environment that could safely support these massive fish. The Tropical Diver tank was built to mimic the warm, open-water conditions where whale sharks naturally live in the wild.

The decision to focus on whale sharks reflected the aquarium's commitment to conservation and education. Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, meaning their populations face threats in the wild. By displaying them in a controlled environment, the Georgia Aquarium aims to raise awareness about the species and fund research into their behavior and biology.

What You'll See When You Visit the Whale Shark Exhibit

The Tropical Diver exhibit is one of the most popular sections of the Georgia Aquarium, and for good reason. The tank is so large that the whale sharks can swim in patterns that resemble their natural behavior in the ocean. You will see them gliding through the water with their mouths open, filtering plankton and small fish from the water—the same feeding method they use in the wild.

The exhibit also includes interactive learning stations where you can read about whale shark biology, their migration patterns, and conservation efforts. Staff members are stationed throughout the exhibit and can answer questions about the sharks' size, diet, and lifespan. The underwater tunnel section is particularly striking because it places you at eye level with the sharks as they swim past, making the experience feel immersive and personal.

How Often Whale Sharks Are Fed and What They Eat

The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium are fed multiple times per day with a diet that includes fish, squid, and specially prepared plankton-based food. The aquarium's nutritionists work constantly to may support the diet matches what the sharks would consume in the wild as closely as possible. Each shark consumes hundreds of pounds of food per week, which requires careful planning and sourcing.

Feeding time is one of the most dramatic moments to witness at the exhibit. The sharks' feeding behavior—swimming with their mouths wide open to filter food from the water—is the same technique they use in the ocean. The aquarium schedules feeding demonstrations at specific times throughout the day, and these are often announced on the facility's website or app so visitors can plan to watch.

Other Aquariums That Have Housed Whale Sharks

While the Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States currently displaying whale sharks, other aquariums around the world have housed them. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan has maintained whale sharks for many years and is considered one of the most successful facilities for their long-term care. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California displayed a whale shark for several years but no longer has one on exhibit.

The challenge of keeping whale sharks in captivity is significant. These animals naturally migrate thousands of miles across the ocean, and replicating that environment in a tank requires enormous resources. Most aquariums that have attempted to house whale sharks have found that the animals do not thrive long-term, which is why displays remain rare worldwide. The Georgia Aquarium's success with its four sharks is considered exceptional in the field of marine animal care.

Planning Your Visit to See the Whale Sharks

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is open year-round. General admission includes access to all exhibits, including the Tropical Diver tank with the whale sharks. The facility is busiest during school holidays and weekends, so visiting on a weekday morning will give you a less crowded experience if that is your preference.

The aquarium's website lists current hours, ticket prices, and any special events or demonstrations scheduled for the day you plan to visit. Parking is available on-site, and the facility is also accessible by public transportation. If you are traveling from out of state, the aquarium is located near other Atlanta attractions, so you can plan a multi-day visit to the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big are the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?

The largest whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium, Trixie, is approximately 35 feet long. The other three sharks range from 20 to 30 feet in length. In the wild, whale sharks can grow to over 40 feet, so the sharks at the aquarium represent a range of ages and sizes.

Can you touch the whale sharks during your visit?

No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks. The tank is designed for viewing only, and there are barriers in place to keep visitors at a safe distance. This protects both the animals and the visitors, as whale sharks are wild animals despite being in captivity.

How long do whale sharks live in captivity?

Whale sharks in the wild are believed to live 100 to 150 years, though exact lifespans are not well documented. In captivity, their lifespans are shorter, typically 20 to 30 years. The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium have been monitored closely to understand how captive environments affect their health and longevity.

Are there any other large sharks at the Georgia Aquarium besides whale sharks?

Yes, the Georgia Aquarium has multiple exhibits featuring different shark species, including sand tiger sharks, sawfish, and various reef sharks. However, the whale sharks in the Tropical Diver exhibit are the largest animals in the facility and draw the most visitor attention.