Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, near the Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola. The aquarium was made possible through a donation of $250 million from Bernard Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, and his wife Billi Marcus. The aquarium is owned and operated by the Georgia Aquarium Inc., a non-profit organization, and is supported by Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and University of Georgia. The aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

● History

The idea of building a public aquarium in Atlanta was first proposed by Bernard Marcus in the early 2000s, with the goal of promoting marine conservation and education in the state of Georgia. The aquarium was designed by TVS Architects and constructed by Hunt Construction Group, with the help of Georgia Tech Research Institute and University of Georgia's Department of Marine Sciences. The aquarium was officially opened on November 23, 2005, with a grand opening ceremony attended by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, and other dignitaries, including Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle. The aquarium has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, with over 2 million visitors per year, and has been recognized by Forbes Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the best aquariums in the United States.

● Architecture and Design

The aquarium was designed by TVS Architects and features a unique architectural style that combines modern architecture with sustainable design. The building's exterior is covered in glass and stainless steel, with a large atrium that provides natural light and ventilation. The aquarium's interior design was created by Thinc Design, with the help of National Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium experts, and features a variety of exhibit designs, including tunnel exhibits and touch pools. The aquarium's life support systems were designed by AECOM and are capable of supporting a wide range of marine life, from fish and invertebrates to marine mammals and sea turtles. The aquarium has also been recognized for its energy efficiency and sustainability by U.S. Green Building Council and Environmental Protection Agency.

● Exhibits

The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, and Ocean Voyager, which showcase a wide range of marine life from around the world, including Australia, South Africa, and Galapagos Islands. The aquarium is home to thousands of animals, including whale sharks, dolphins, and penguins, as well as sea otters, seals, and sea lions. The aquarium also features a large shark exhibit, with a 6.3 million gallon tank that is one of the largest in the world, and a sea turtle exhibit, with a variety of species from Caribbean Sea and Indian Ocean. The aquarium has also partnered with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to promote marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

● Conservation and Research

The aquarium is involved in a variety of conservation and research programs, including marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices, with the help of The Nature Conservancy and Ocean Conservancy. The aquarium has also partnered with Georgia Department of Natural Resources and University of Georgia's Department of Marine Sciences to study and protect marine ecosystems in Georgia and around the world. The aquarium's research program focuses on a variety of topics, including marine biology, ecology, and conservation biology, and has been recognized by National Science Foundation and Smithsonian Institution. The aquarium has also been involved in several conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of sea otters to the wild and the protection of whale sharks in the Atlantic Ocean.

● Education and Community

The aquarium offers a variety of education programs for students and teachers, including field trips and workshops, with the help of Georgia Department of Education and National Education Association. The aquarium also offers a variety of community programs, including volunteer opportunities and outreach programs, with the help of United Way and Habitat for Humanity. The aquarium has also partnered with Georgia Tech and Emory University to offer internships and research opportunities for students and faculty. The aquarium has been recognized for its education programs by National Association of Biology Teachers and Association for Science Teacher Education.

● Operations and Management

The aquarium is owned and operated by the Georgia Aquarium Inc., a non-profit organization, and is supported by Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and University of Georgia. The aquarium is managed by a team of aquarists, biologists, and conservationists, with the help of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The aquarium has an annual budget of over $50 million, which is supported by donations, grants, and ticket sales, with the help of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and National Geographic Society. The aquarium has also been recognized for its operational efficiency and financial management by Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator. Category:Aquariums in the United States