The Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in the world, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and aquatic experiences. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, the aquarium attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a significant contributor to the city’s tourism industry. But have you ever wondered what county the Georgia Aquarium is in? This seemingly simple question may seem trivial, but it’s actually an important aspect of understanding the aquarium’s history, location, and impact on the surrounding community.
As we delve into the topic of what county the Georgia Aquarium is in, we’ll explore the aquarium’s history, its significance in the city of Atlanta, and the surrounding county’s role in supporting the aquarium’s operations. We’ll also examine the economic and social benefits of the aquarium, as well as its impact on the local environment and community. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Georgia Aquarium’s location and its importance in the region.
History of the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium was founded in 2005 by the non-profit organization Georgia Aquarium, Inc. The aquarium’s mission is to educate visitors about the importance of marine conservation and the impact of human activities on the world’s oceans. The aquarium’s founders, Bernie and Bill Moore, were passionate about marine life and wanted to create a world-class aquarium that would showcase the diversity of aquatic species from around the globe.
The aquarium’s construction was a massive undertaking, with a total cost of over $200 million. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), and features a unique, curved design that echoes the shape of a whale’s fin. The aquarium’s main tank, known as the Ocean Voyager exhibit, holds over 6.3 million gallons of water and features a 100-foot-long viewing tunnel that allows visitors to walk through the tank and observe the marine life up close.
Location and County
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, on the north bank of the Chattahoochee River. The aquarium’s address is 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. The aquarium is situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance of many popular attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola, the Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
The aquarium is located in Fulton County, Georgia, which is one of the most populous counties in the state. Fulton County is home to many major attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The county is also home to many major corporations, including Coca-Cola, UPS, and Delta Air Lines.
Surrounding County and Community
Fulton County is a diverse and vibrant community, with a population of over 1 million people. The county is home to many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Fulton County include the Buckhead area, the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, and the Old Fourth Ward. (See Also: How to Cool Down an Aquarium? Keeping It Safe)
The Georgia Aquarium is a major economic driver for Fulton County, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. The aquarium also provides jobs for hundreds of people, from aquarium staff and maintenance workers to sales and marketing professionals. In addition, the aquarium supports local businesses and organizations, including restaurants, hotels, and tour operators.
Economic Benefits
The Georgia Aquarium has a significant impact on the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. According to a study by the Georgia Aquarium, the aquarium generates over $300 million in economic impact each year, supporting over 1,000 jobs and generating over $100 million in tax revenue.
The aquarium also attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom stay in local hotels and eat at local restaurants. In addition, the aquarium supports local businesses and organizations, including tour operators and souvenir shops. By supporting the aquarium, visitors are also supporting the local community and helping to stimulate economic growth.
Environmental Impact
The Georgia Aquarium has a significant impact on the local environment, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the aquarium helps to educate visitors about the importance of marine conservation and the impact of human activities on the world’s oceans. The aquarium also supports local conservation efforts, including the protection of marine habitats and the rehabilitation of injured marine animals.
On the negative side, the aquarium’s large size and energy consumption can have a significant impact on the local environment. The aquarium uses over 10 million gallons of water each year, and its energy consumption is equivalent to the energy used by over 1,000 homes. In addition, the aquarium’s waste management practices have been criticized by some environmental groups, who argue that the aquarium is not doing enough to reduce its waste and minimize its impact on the local environment.
Community Engagement
The Georgia Aquarium is committed to engaging with the local community and supporting local organizations and initiatives. The aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and activities for children and adults, including aquarium tours, animal encounters, and conservation workshops. The aquarium also supports local businesses and organizations, including restaurants, hotels, and tour operators. (See Also: Where to Park at Sea Aquarium? Easy Parking Tips)
In addition, the aquarium has partnered with several local organizations, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the World Wildlife Fund, to support conservation efforts and promote marine conservation. The aquarium also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including animal care and conservation work, and educational programs for children and adults.
Recap and Summary
In conclusion, the Georgia Aquarium is a significant contributor to the city of Atlanta and the surrounding Fulton County. The aquarium’s history, location, and impact on the local community make it an important aspect of the city’s tourism industry and a major economic driver for the region. While the aquarium has a significant impact on the local environment, both positive and negative, the aquarium’s commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement makes it a valuable resource for the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs: What County Is the Georgia Aquarium in?
Q: What county is the Georgia Aquarium located in?
A: The Georgia Aquarium is located in Fulton County, Georgia.
Q: What is the address of the Georgia Aquarium?
A: The address of the Georgia Aquarium is 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Q: What is the capacity of the Georgia Aquarium’s main tank?
A: The Georgia Aquarium’s main tank, known as the Ocean Voyager exhibit, holds over 6.3 million gallons of water. (See Also: How Often Should Aquarium Fish Be Fed? – A Complete Guide)
Q: How many visitors does the Georgia Aquarium attract each year?
A: The Georgia Aquarium attracts over 2 million visitors each year.
Q: What is the economic impact of the Georgia Aquarium on the local community?
A: The Georgia Aquarium generates over $300 million in economic impact each year, supporting over 1,000 jobs and generating over $100 million in tax revenue.
Q: What is the Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to marine conservation?
A: The Georgia Aquarium is committed to promoting marine conservation and supporting local conservation efforts, including the protection of marine habitats and the rehabilitation of injured marine animals.