Blue Angelfish at the Georgia Aquarium
One of the most visited Georgia attractions is the Georgia Aquarium. It is located next to the World of Coke, Patriots Museum and Centennial Park.
It has been a busy first half of 2010 at the Georgia Aquarium. They have added two rare Albino Reptiles, welcomed back the Beluga Whales, rescued five Loggerhead Sea Turtles and added four Harbor Seals. The Georgia Aquarium has 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and is home to tens of thousands of animals representing 450 species. It is divided into 5 galleries for your viewing.
The Cold Water Quest features fish and marine mammals from Oregon to Japan and from South Australia to South Africa. A few of the animals you will discover are the African Penguins, Giant Pacific Octopus and the beloved Beluga Whales. Maris is a 15 year female and weighs over 900 pounds. Beethoven is an 18 year old male and weighs in at over 1740 pounds. There are only 36 Beluga Whales in captivity in six facilities across North America.
My favorite gallery is the Georgia Explorer showcasing our Georgia Coast. This gallery is very interactive with touch pools full of Horseshoe Crabs, Sea Stars, Stingrays and Shrimp. There is also a large exhibit of Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Five Loggerhead Sea Turtles were rescued off the coast from the cold snap the Southeast experienced this year. Loggerhead Sea Turtles weigh over 300 pounds and are on the Endangered Species List.
Two Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, known as the Gentle Giants of the sea reside in the Ocean Voyager Gallery. It has over six million gallons of saltwater and even an underwater tunnel in which to view. Nandi and Tulluhah, the two manta rays are the only ones in a United States Aquarium.
In April the River Scout Gallery added two rare Albino America Alligators. There are fewer than 50 living in the United States today. There coloring is due to a rare genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, a skin pigment. Their eyes appear pink or red.
The Georgia Aquarium saved the best gallery for last, the Tropical Diver. A tropical coral reef of rainbow colors with seahorses, glassy sweepers and garden eels gliding in and out of the coral. Also, there are three exhibits of jellyfish that will mesmerize you. This is the largest reef exhibit at any aquarium in the world.
In addition to the five galleries there is a 4 D theatre that combines digital projection, High Definition 3 D film and unique special effects that allow you to experience the mysteries of the underwater world.
The Georgia Aquarium has several behind the Scenes Tours that allow you to experience the Aquarium from behind closed doors and learn the secrets of the aquarium.
When you are making your reservations at our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast be sure and inquire about the Atlanta City Pass. It has all the must do attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke and the Georgia Zoo at a discounted price.
Tags: Atlanta City Pass, Centennial Park, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia attractions, Georgia Zoo, World of Coke
