Are you planning a trip to Georgia and looking for a fun and educational activity to enjoy with your family? Look no further than the Georgia Aquarium! Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring thousands of aquatic animals from around the globe. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the aquarium, its exhibits, and what you can expect to see during your visit.
A Brief History of the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium was founded in 2005 by Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot, and his wife, Billi Marcus. The aquarium was built as a non-profit organization with the mission of inspiring people to care about and protect the world’s aquatic ecosystems. The aquarium’s first exhibit opened in November 2005, featuring a variety of fish, sharks, and other marine animals from around the world.
Since its opening, the Georgia Aquarium has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of new exhibits and the introduction of new animals. Today, the aquarium is home to more than 100,000 animals from over 500 species, making it one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is home to several exhibits, each featuring a unique and fascinating array of aquatic animals. Some of the exhibits include:
The Ocean Voyager Exhibit
The Ocean Voyager Exhibit is one of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits, featuring a 6.3 million gallon tank filled with thousands of fish, sharks, and other marine animals. The exhibit is designed to mimic the ocean’s coral reefs, with a large viewing window allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.
Some of the animals you can see in the Ocean Voyager Exhibit include whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. The exhibit also features a variety of interactive displays and educational programs, making it a great place for kids to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
The Cold Water Quest Exhibit
The Cold Water Quest Exhibit is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic animals from the cold waters of the world. The exhibit features a large tank filled with fish, sea otters, and other animals from the Pacific Northwest and other cold-water regions. (See Also: Sea Life Orlando Aquarium Precio? – Find The Best Deal)
Some of the animals you can see in the Cold Water Quest Exhibit include sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of fish species. The exhibit also features interactive displays and educational programs, making it a great place to learn about the unique ecosystems found in cold-water regions.
The River Scout Exhibit
The River Scout Exhibit is designed to mimic the ecosystems found in rivers around the world. The exhibit features a variety of fish and other aquatic animals from rivers in North America, South America, and Africa.
Some of the animals you can see in the River Scout Exhibit include catfish, sturgeon, and a variety of fish species. The exhibit also features interactive displays and educational programs, making it a great place to learn about the importance of rivers and their inhabitants.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you visit the Georgia Aquarium, you can expect to see a wide variety of aquatic animals from around the world. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, making it a great place for kids and adults alike.
Some of the things you can expect to see during your visit include:
- A variety of fish and other aquatic animals from around the world
- Interactive displays and educational programs
- A large viewing window in the Ocean Voyager Exhibit
- A variety of exhibits featuring animals from different regions of the world
- Opportunities to learn about the importance of conservation and sustainability
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit: (See Also: Can You Use Aquarium Gravel for Succulents? A Guide)
Buy Tickets Online: The Georgia Aquarium offers a variety of ticket options, including general admission, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters. You can buy tickets online in advance to save time and money.
Plan Your Visit Around Meal Times: The Georgia Aquarium has a variety of dining options, including a cafe and a restaurant. You may want to plan your visit around meal times to avoid long lines and wait times.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Georgia Aquarium is a large facility, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your visit. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes to ensure a fun and comfortable experience.
Bring a Camera: The Georgia Aquarium is a great place to take photos, with a variety of exhibits and animals to capture. Bring a camera to capture memories of your visit.
Recap
In this article, we’ve explored the history of the Georgia Aquarium, its exhibits, and what you can expect to see during your visit. From the Ocean Voyager Exhibit to the River Scout Exhibit, the Georgia Aquarium offers a wide variety of aquatic animals and interactive displays. With a variety of ticket options and planning tips, you’re sure to have a fun and educational experience during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Georgia Aquarium’s mission?
The Georgia Aquarium’s mission is to inspire people to care about and protect the world’s aquatic ecosystems.
Q: What is the largest exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium?
The largest exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium is the Ocean Voyager Exhibit, which features a 6.3 million gallon tank filled with thousands of fish, sharks, and other marine animals. (See Also: How to Open a Public Aquarium? A Comprehensive Guide)
Q: Can I touch the animals at the Georgia Aquarium?
No, the Georgia Aquarium is a no-touch policy aquarium, meaning that visitors are not allowed to touch the animals. This is to ensure the health and safety of both the animals and the visitors.
Q: Are there any special events or programs at the Georgia Aquarium?
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational programs. You can check the aquarium’s website for more information on upcoming events and programs.
Q: Can I bring my pet to the Georgia Aquarium?
No, the Georgia Aquarium is a no-pet policy facility, meaning that visitors are not allowed to bring their pets into the aquarium. This is to ensure the health and safety of both the animals and the visitors.