Where to see a whale shark in an aquarium

Only two major public aquariums in the world currently house whale sharks: the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. Both keep multiple whale sharks in massive tanks designed to accommodate these enormous fish, which can grow to 40 feet long or more. If you want to see a whale shark in person at an aquarium, one of these two locations is your only option.

The Georgia Aquarium opened its whale shark exhibit in 2005 and remains the largest aquarium in the United States. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which opened in 2002, is located on the island of Okinawa and has been housing whale sharks since its opening. Both facilities invested heavily in tank design and water systems to meet the needs of these filter-feeding sharks, which require enormous volumes of water and constant food supply.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan are the only two major aquariums with whale sharks on public display.
  • Whale sharks require specially designed tanks with millions of gallons of water and sophisticated filtration systems to survive in captivity.
  • The Georgia Aquarium's whale shark tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is one of the largest exhibits in the facility.
  • Most other aquariums do not house whale sharks because the cost, space, and specialized care requirements are extremely high.
  • Both aquariums participate in research programs to better understand whale shark behavior and biology in controlled environments.

The Georgia Aquarium's whale shark exhibit

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater. This tank is one of the largest in the world and was specifically designed to accommodate whale sharks alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish. The exhibit opened in 2005 with four whale sharks, though the population has changed over the years due to deaths and transfers.

The Ocean Voyager tank maintains precise water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels year-round. The aquarium feeds the whale sharks a specialized diet of fish eggs and plankton-based food multiple times daily. Visitors can view the sharks from multiple levels, including an underwater acrylic tunnel that allows you to see the sharks swim directly overhead.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium's whale shark collection

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan houses whale sharks in the Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds 7.5 million gallons of water—larger than the Georgia Aquarium's exhibit. This tank is one of the most impressive marine exhibits in the world, with an acrylic panel measuring 22.5 meters wide, 8.2 meters tall, and 60 centimeters thick. The aquarium has successfully kept whale sharks for over two decades and has become a center for whale shark research in Asia.

The Okinawa facility has maintained multiple whale sharks throughout its history and has developed informed in their care and feeding. The aquarium's location in Okinawa, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, gives it access to natural seawater and a climate similar to the whale shark's native habitat. The facility conducts ongoing research into whale shark nutrition, behavior, and reproduction.

Why whale sharks are rare in aquariums

Whale sharks are extremely difficult to keep in captivity, which is why so few aquariums attempt it. These sharks are filter feeders that consume massive quantities of plankton and small fish daily—an adult whale shark can eat up to 46 pounds of food per day. Replicating this diet in an aquarium setting requires constant supply chains and specialized food production.

The physical space required is another major barrier. Whale sharks grow to enormous sizes and need room to swim naturally. A tank too small can cause stress, poor health, and shortened lifespans. The construction and maintenance costs for a tank large enough to house a whale shark run into tens of millions of dollars. Most aquariums cannot justify this expense, especially when the sharks may not survive long-term in captivity anyway.

Capturing and transporting whale sharks is also controversial and heavily regulated. Most countries have restrictions on removing whale sharks from the wild, and international agreements limit the trade in these animals. The few whale sharks currently in aquariums were either captured decades ago before stricter regulations existed or were born in captivity.

How aquariums source their whale sharks

The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium were captured from the wild in the late 1990s and early 2000s, before modern protections were as strict. Some of these sharks have lived in the aquarium for nearly 20 years. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium also obtained its initial whale sharks from the wild, though some of its current population may include animals born in captivity or transferred from other facilities.

Modern aquariums rarely capture new whale sharks from the ocean. Instead, they focus on breeding programs and transfers between facilities. However, breeding whale sharks in captivity has proven extremely difficult, and most aquariums have not successfully reproduced them. This means the whale sharks currently on display are likely to be the last generation in captivity unless breeding techniques improve significantly.

What to expect when visiting a whale shark exhibit

At either the Georgia Aquarium or the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you will see whale sharks swimming alongside other large marine animals. The sharks are generally calm and move slowly through the water, which makes them easier to observe than faster-moving fish. You can watch them feed during designated times, which is when they are most active and visible.

Both aquariums offer educational programs and signage that explain whale shark biology, behavior, and conservation status. Staff members are usually available to answer questions about the sharks' diet, size, and lifespan. The exhibits are designed to show you the sharks from multiple angles, so you can see their distinctive spotted pattern and massive size from different perspectives.

Conservation and the future of whale sharks in aquariums

Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning their wild populations are declining. Aquariums argue that keeping whale sharks in captivity raises awareness about conservation and funds research that protects wild populations. However, some conservation groups question whether the stress of captivity is worth the educational benefit.

The future of whale sharks in aquariums is uncertain. As the current generation of captive whale sharks ages, aquariums will need to decide whether to attempt breeding programs or let the population decline. Some facilities have chosen not to pursue whale sharks at all, citing the ethical concerns and practical difficulties. The Georgia Aquarium and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium remain committed to their whale shark programs and continue to invest in research and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see whale sharks at any other aquariums?

No. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan are the only two public aquariums in the world with whale sharks on display. A few other facilities have housed whale sharks in the past, but they no longer do so.

How long do whale sharks live in aquariums?

Whale sharks in captivity typically live 10 to 20 years, though some have survived longer. In the wild, they may live 100 years or more, so captivity appears to shorten their lifespan. The exact reasons are not fully understood but likely involve stress, diet, and tank conditions.

Are the whale sharks in these aquariums healthy?

The whale sharks at both facilities appear to be in reasonable health based on visible behavior and feeding patterns. However, scientists debate whether captivity is truly healthy for these animals long-term. Both aquariums monitor their sharks closely and adjust care practices based on research findings.

How much does it cost to visit a whale shark aquarium?

Admission prices vary. The Georgia Aquarium charges around $40 to $50 for adults, depending on the season and type of ticket. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium charges roughly 1,900 to 2,400 Japanese yen (about $13 to $16 USD). Prices change seasonally and may differ for children or group visits.

Why don't more aquariums try to keep whale sharks?

The cost of building and maintaining a whale shark tank exceeds $100 million, and there is no may provide the sharks will survive long-term. Most aquariums cannot justify this expense. Additionally, capturing or importing whale sharks is now heavily restricted by international law, making it nearly impossible for new facilities to obtain them.