Georgia Aquarium has long been known as one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. For nearly two decades, it drew visitors eager to see whale sharks up close, making it the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere to showcase these gentle giants. However, as of 2025, the Georgia Aquarium no longer houses any whale sharks, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in its history.
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The Whale Shark Journey at Georgia Aquarium
When the aquarium opened in 2005, it became famous overnight for bringing whale sharks to Atlanta. The Ocean Voyager exhibit, a 6.3-million-gallon tank, was designed to hold the world’s largest fish and allow millions of people to view them swimming gracefully through massive acrylic windows and a 100-foot viewing tunnel.
Over the years, several whale sharks lived at Georgia Aquarium, each leaving a lasting impact on guests and staff alike. Their presence brought attention to the species and provided opportunities for marine scientists to study these mysterious animals up close.
- 2005 – The first whale sharks arrived when the aquarium opened.
- 2007 – Additional whale sharks were introduced, expanding the exhibit’s appeal.
- 2020–2021 – Two of the longest-living whale sharks in the aquarium, Trixie and Alice, passed away.
- 2025 – The last remaining whale shark, Taroko, was euthanized due to declining health.
With Taroko’s passing in August 2025, the aquarium no longer has whale sharks in its care.
What Visitors Can Expect Now
Although the whale sharks are gone, the Ocean Voyager exhibit remains the centerpiece of Georgia Aquarium. Guests can still encounter manta rays, groupers, and thousands of schooling fish that share the tank. The tunnel and panoramic windows continue to deliver awe-inspiring views of marine life in motion, offering one of the most immersive aquarium experiences in the world.
The absence of whale sharks shifts the focus toward other exhibits, including:
- Cold Water Quest, home to beluga whales and sea otters.
- Dolphin Coast, featuring energetic dolphin presentations.
- Sharks! Predators of the Deep, one of the largest shark galleries in North America.
- Tropical Diver, showcasing vibrant coral reef habitats.
These exhibits ensure visitors still enjoy an unforgettable experience despite the absence of the iconic whale sharks.
Why This Change Matters
The presence of whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium was more than a crowd-pleasing attraction. It symbolized a milestone in marine husbandry and sparked global discussions about conservation, ocean health, and the challenges of caring for such massive creatures in human care.
Without whale sharks, the aquarium’s role in conservation evolves. Research continues through partnerships, and the facility remains dedicated to educating the public about protecting ocean species. While guests can no longer see whale sharks in Atlanta, the lessons learned over the past 20 years will influence how aquariums approach marine stewardship in the future.
The Emotional Impact
For many visitors, whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Families, school groups, and travelers from around the world came to Atlanta specifically to see them. Their graceful movements and sheer size made the exhibit unforgettable.
The announcement that no whale sharks remain in 2025 has been met with mixed emotions. While some feel sadness at the loss, others acknowledge the dedication of staff who provided care for these animals for nearly two decades. The focus now turns to honoring their legacy while inspiring wonder through the aquarium’s many other exhibits.
Looking Ahead
Georgia Aquarium remains one of the most visited aquariums in the United States. Even without whale sharks, it continues to deliver groundbreaking exhibits and research programs. Future plans are expected to emphasize new species, innovative displays, and interactive experiences that will carry its mission forward.
For those who once marveled at the whale sharks, their memory continues to live on in the stories shared by visitors and the advancements in marine science that their time in Atlanta helped make possible.
Georgia Aquarium’s era of housing whale sharks may have ended, but its commitment to marine life and education is stronger than ever. Whether you visited years ago or plan to explore soon, the aquarium still promises unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Share your favorite memory or thoughts about the whale sharks—the story of these gentle giants will always be part of what makes Georgia Aquarium extraordinary.