Which Aquariums Have Whale Sharks
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the largest collection of whale sharks in the world, with four of them living in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan also houses multiple whale sharks in its Kuroshio Sea tank, one of the largest acrylic panels in existence. These two facilities are the only major public aquariums in North America and Asia with living whale sharks on display.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish, reaching lengths of 40 feet or more, which means they require enormous tanks with specific water conditions. Most aquariums cannot meet these demands, which is why sightings are limited to a handful of locations worldwide. Both the Georgia Aquarium and Okinawa Churaumi have invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to keep these animals healthy.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to four whale sharks and is the only facility in North America where you can see them in captivity.
- The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan displays whale sharks in its Kuroshio Sea exhibit, which features one of the world's largest acrylic viewing panels.
- Whale sharks require tanks holding millions of gallons of water and precise temperature and salinity control, which limits where they can be kept.
- Both facilities participate in whale shark research and conservation efforts as part of their mission to protect the species.
The Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager Exhibit
The Ocean Voyager at the Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 and was specifically designed to house whale sharks. The tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water and measures 100 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. The four whale sharks living there—named Trixie, Ralph, Norton, and Alice—were collected from the wild in the mid-2000s and have lived in the facility ever since.
The exhibit also contains manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other fish species that share the same water system. Visitors can view the whale sharks through a 6.3-million-gallon acrylic panel that is 2 feet thick. The Georgia Aquarium offers both general admission and special behind-the-scenes encounters where you can learn directly from the animal care team about whale shark behavior and biology.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium's Kuroshio Sea
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Japan, houses whale sharks in the Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds 7.5 million gallons of water. The main viewing panel is 22.5 meters wide, 8.2 meters tall, and 60 centimeters thick—one of the largest acrylic panels ever constructed. The tank is designed to mimic the natural currents and conditions of the Kuroshio Current that flows near Okinawa.
The facility typically displays two to three whale sharks at a time, along with manta rays and other large pelagic fish. The Okinawa Churaumi is located about 90 minutes north of Naha, Okinawa's main city, and is one of Japan's most visited aquariums. The facility conducts ongoing research on whale shark reproduction and health, contributing to the global understanding of the species.
What Makes Whale Shark Tanks So Difficult to Build
Whale sharks are filter feeders that consume plankton and small fish, requiring constant water circulation to bring food to them. The tanks must maintain specific temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and proper salinity levels that match ocean water. The filtration systems are massive industrial operations that run continuously, and the construction costs for a single whale shark tank can exceed $100 million.
The animals also need space to swim in straight lines without turning sharply, as their body structure does not allow for tight maneuvers. A tank that is too small causes stress and health problems. These biological and engineering requirements mean that only the wealthiest and most committed aquariums can afford to house whale sharks, which is why they remain extremely rare in captivity.
How Whale Sharks Arrived at These Aquariums
The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks were collected from the wild in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean between 2003 and 2006. At the time, this was considered acceptable practice for research and public education purposes. The Okinawa Churaumi's whale sharks were also collected from the wild, primarily from waters around Japan and the Philippines.
Modern aquarium practices have shifted away from wild collection. Most facilities now focus on breeding programs and research rather than capturing new animals. The whale sharks currently in captivity are unlikely to be released back into the ocean, as they have spent their entire lives in controlled environments and would not survive in the wild.
Visiting to See Whale Sharks in Person
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is open year-round. General admission includes access to the Ocean Voyager exhibit, though special encounters and behind-the-scenes tours cost extra and must be booked in advance. The facility is busiest during school holidays and weekends, so visiting on a weekday morning typically means shorter lines.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is open daily except Thursdays and is accessible by bus or rental car from Naha. Entry fees are lower than most North American aquariums, and the facility is less crowded than the Georgia Aquarium. Both locations offer photography opportunities, though flash photography is typically restricted near the main viewing panels to avoid stressing the animals.
Whale Shark Conservation and Research
Both the Georgia Aquarium and Okinawa Churaumi contribute to whale shark science through ongoing research programs. The Georgia Aquarium has studied whale shark genetics, behavior, and nutrition, publishing findings that have informed wild population conservation efforts. The Okinawa facility has focused on reproduction research, as whale sharks rarely breed in captivity and very little is known about their breeding biology in the wild.
These aquariums also participate in international conservation networks that track wild whale shark populations and work to protect their ocean habitats. The data collected from captive animals helps scientists understand what conditions wild populations need to survive. Admission fees from visitors contribute directly to these research and conservation programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I touch or swim with the whale sharks?
No. Both aquariums prohibit direct contact with whale sharks for the safety of the animals and visitors. The Georgia Aquarium offers special encounters where you stand near the tank while staff explain whale shark biology, but you do not enter the water. Some resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico offer wild whale shark swimming experiences, which is a different activity from visiting an aquarium.
How long do whale sharks live in captivity?
The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium have lived there for 15 to 20 years, which suggests they can survive long-term in well-maintained facilities. However, scientists do not know the full lifespan of whale sharks in the wild, so it is unclear whether captive lifespans match natural ones. The oldest whale shark on record in captivity is over 25 years old.
Are there any other aquariums planning to get whale sharks?
No major aquariums have announced plans to build whale shark exhibits in the near future. The cost and complexity of construction, combined with the shift away from wild collection, make new whale shark exhibits unlikely. Some smaller facilities have considered it, but none have moved forward with concrete plans.
What do whale sharks eat in the aquarium?
Whale sharks in captivity are fed a combination of live plankton, fish larvae, and specially formulated pellets. The Georgia Aquarium uses a system that circulates plankton-rich water through the tank multiple times per day. Staff monitor the sharks' weight and health constantly to may support they are receiving adequate nutrition.
How much does it cost to visit these aquariums?
General admission to the Georgia Aquarium ranges from $30 to $40 depending on the season and day of the week. The Okinawa Churaumi costs approximately $25 to $30 USD. Both facilities offer discounts for children, seniors, and annual memberships. Special encounters or behind-the-scenes tours at either location cost extra.