The Atlanta Aquarium, located in Georgia, USA, is one of the most popular and largest aquariums in the world. With its stunning exhibits, diverse marine life, and interactive experiences, it attracts millions of visitors every year. But the question remains: is the Atlanta Aquarium the largest in the world? In this article, we will delve into the world of aquariums, explore the size and features of the Atlanta Aquarium, and compare it to other notable aquariums around the globe.
The History of the Atlanta Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, was opened in 2005 and was the largest aquarium in the world at the time of its opening. It was built as a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting education, conservation, and research of aquatic life. The aquarium was designed to resemble a giant glass cube, with a large viewing area that allows visitors to see the marine life from all angles.
The aquarium was founded by Bernard Marcus, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, who donated $250 million to the project. The aquarium was designed by a team of architects and engineers who worked together to create a unique and innovative building that would showcase the beauty and diversity of aquatic life.
The Size of the Atlanta Aquarium
The Atlanta Aquarium is massive, covering an area of over 120,000 square feet. It has a total volume of over 10 million gallons of water, making it one of the largest aquariums in the world. The aquarium has 10 million gallons of water, which is equivalent to the size of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The aquarium is home to over 100,000 aquatic animals, including fish, mammals, and invertebrates. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits, including the largest single aquatic habitat in the world, the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which holds over 6.3 million gallons of water. (See Also: What Animals Are in a Aquarium? Diverse Marine Life)
Exhibits and Displays
The Atlanta Aquarium has a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the diversity of aquatic life. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- The Ocean Voyager exhibit, which features a 6.3 million gallon tank filled with fish, sharks, and other marine animals.
- The Cold Water Quest exhibit, which features fish and other marine animals from the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
- The River Scout exhibit, which features fish and other aquatic animals from the rivers of the world.
- The Tropical Diver exhibit, which features fish and other marine animals from the tropical waters of the world.
The aquarium also has a variety of interactive exhibits, including a touch pool where visitors can touch and learn about marine animals, and a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to explore the ocean.
Other Notable Aquariums
While the Atlanta Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world, there are several other notable aquariums that are worth mentioning:
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA, which is known for its stunning exhibits and diverse marine life.
- The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, which features a unique exhibit on the marine life of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- The S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world and features a stunning array of marine life from around the globe.
- The Shanghai Aquarium in China, which is one of the largest aquariums in Asia and features a variety of marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Atlanta Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world, with a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the diversity of aquatic life. While it is difficult to determine which aquarium is the largest in the world, the Atlanta Aquarium is certainly one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring.
Recap
Here are the key points to recap: (See Also: What Is Shedd Aquarium? A World Of Wonder)
- The Atlanta Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world.
- The aquarium covers an area of over 120,000 square feet and has a total volume of over 10 million gallons of water.
- The aquarium is home to over 100,000 aquatic animals, including fish, mammals, and invertebrates.
- The aquarium has a variety of exhibits, including the largest single aquatic habitat in the world.
- The aquarium is known for its interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Atlanta Aquarium the largest aquarium in the world?
A: While the Atlanta Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world, it is difficult to determine which aquarium is the largest in the world. The aquarium’s size and volume are impressive, but there are other aquariums around the globe that are also large and impressive.
Q: What is the largest exhibit at the Atlanta Aquarium?
A: The largest exhibit at the Atlanta Aquarium is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which holds over 6.3 million gallons of water and features a variety of marine animals, including fish, sharks, and other marine animals.
Q: Can I touch the marine animals at the Atlanta Aquarium?
A: Yes, the Atlanta Aquarium has a touch pool where visitors can touch and learn about marine animals. The touch pool is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, sea stars, and other invertebrates.
Q: Is the Atlanta Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Atlanta Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. The aquarium has ramps and elevators that provide access to all areas of the aquarium, including the exhibits and interactive experiences. (See Also: Will Led Lights Grow Plants in Aquarium? Can They Thrive)
Q: Can I bring my pet to the Atlanta Aquarium?
A: No, the Atlanta Aquarium does not allow pets. The aquarium is a public facility and pets are not allowed for the safety and well-being of the marine animals and other visitors.