How many whale sharks are at the georgia aquarium 2025?
Quick Answer
How Many Whale Shark (which is actually a fish, not a mammal)s Are At The Georgia Aquarium 2025?
Key Facts
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🔍 3,600/moHow Many Whale Shark (which is actually a fish, not a mammal)s Are At The Georgia Aquarium 2025?
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine fish |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
The Short Answer
As of 2025, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses 4 whale sharks in its renowned Ocean Voyager exhibit. The aquarium is one of only a handful of facilities outside Asia capable of maintaining these gentle giants, which require an enormous 6.3-million-gallon habitat. The current whale sharks range from approximately 20-28 feet in length and have become iconic ambassadors for marine conservation.
Current Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium (2025)
| Name | Sex | Arrival | Approximate Size | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yushan | Male | 2007 | ~28 ft (8.5 m) | Taiwan |
| Taroko | Male | 2007 | ~26 ft (7.9 m) | Taiwan |
| Alice | Female | 2015 | ~22 ft (6.7 m) | Taiwan |
| Trixie | Female | 2015 | ~20 ft (6.1 m) | Taiwan |
Note: Sizes are approximate and whale sharks continue growing throughout their lives.
Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark History
The Georgia Aquarium has a complex history with whale sharks:
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Aquarium opens | First whale sharks: Ralph and Norton (males) |
| 2006 | Expansion | Added Alice and Trixie (original females) |
| 2007 | Losses/Additions | Ralph dies; Yushan and Taroko arrive |
| 2007 | Further loss | Norton dies |
| 2012 | Recovery | Alice and Trixie added |
| 2015 | Stabilization | Current population established |
| 2020-present | Ongoing care | 4 whale sharks maintained successfully |
Ocean Voyager Exhibit Specifications
| Feature | Measurement | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Water Volume | 6.3 million gallons | Largest indoor aquatic exhibit globally |
| Tank Length | 284 ft (87 m) | Nearly the length of a football field |
| Tank Width | 126 ft (38 m) | Size of a basketball court |
| Tank Depth | 30 ft (9 m) | 3-story building height |
| Viewing Window | 23 x 61 ft | World’s largest acrylic window |
| Acrylic Thickness | 2 ft (0.6 m) | Required to hold water pressure |
| Water Temperature | 75°F (24°C) | Optimal for tropical species |
According to the Georgia Aquarium, the Ocean Voyager exhibit uses approximately 30,000 pounds of salt monthly to maintain proper salinity.
Whale Shark Care Requirements
| Care Aspect | Georgia Aquarium Approach | Challenge Level |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | 4-6 feedings daily | High |
| Diet | Krill, small fish, squid, plankton | Complex |
| Water Quality | 24/7 monitoring, massive filtration | Critical |
| Health Checks | Regular veterinary exams | Specialized |
| Enrichment | Varied feeding methods | Important |
| Space | 6.3 million gallons | Maximum available |
How Whale Sharks Arrived at Georgia Aquarium
| Stage | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan fishing operations | Rescued from fishing nets |
| Assessment | Health evaluation | Viability for long-term care |
| Transport | Custom containers | Temperature-controlled, oxygenated |
| Flight | UPS cargo planes | Specially configured aircraft |
| Acclimation | Gradual introduction | Weeks of careful monitoring |
| Integration | Full exhibit access | After health verification |
The whale sharks were obtained through Taiwan’s fishing industry, where they were caught incidentally. Rather than being released (which often results in mortality), they were rehabilitated and transported to Georgia.
Comparison: Aquariums with Whale Sharks Worldwide
| Aquarium | Location | Number of Whale Sharks | Tank Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, USA | 4 | 6.3 million gal |
| Churaumi Aquarium | Okinawa, Japan | 3 | 2 million gal |
| Chimelong Ocean Kingdom | Zhuhai, China | 5 | 12.9 million gal |
| S.E.A. Aquarium | Singapore | 2 | 12 million gal |
| Shanghai Ocean Aquarium | China | 2 | Unspecified |
The Georgia Aquarium remains the only aquarium outside Asia to successfully maintain whale sharks long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many whale sharks does Georgia Aquarium have in 2025?
The Georgia Aquarium currently houses 4 whale sharks: two males (Yushan and Taroko) and two females (Alice and Trixie). This number has remained stable since 2015.
How big are the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium?
The whale sharks range from approximately 20-28 feet (6-8.5 m) in length. Yushan, the largest, is about 28 feet long. In the wild, whale sharks can grow to 40-60 feet.
Can you swim with whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium?
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium offers “Journey with Gentle Giants” swim and dive experiences where visitors can enter the Ocean Voyager exhibit with the whale sharks. Participants must be certified divers for the dive program.
Why does Georgia Aquarium have whale sharks?
Georgia Aquarium obtained whale sharks to serve as conservation ambassadors and support research. The animals were rescued from fishing operations in Taiwan and transported to Atlanta, where they receive expert care.
Are whale sharks actually whales?
No, whale sharks are fish, not mammals. Despite their name and massive size, they’re sharks—the largest fish species in the world. They’re called “whale sharks” because of their whale-like size. Learn more about the difference between whale sharks and whales.
Conservation and Research
Georgia Aquarium’s whale shark program supports important research:
| Research Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Feeding Behavior | Understanding filter-feeding mechanics |
| Growth Rates | Tracking growth in controlled environment |
| Health Metrics | Developing veterinary protocols |
| Reproduction | Studying development and maturation |
| Tagging Studies | Funding wild population research |
The Smithsonian Institution notes that whale sharks are classified as Endangered, making research and public awareness critical for their survival.
Visiting Georgia Aquarium’s Whale Sharks
| Experience | Details | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | View through acrylic windows | $$ |
| Ocean Voyager Gallery | Dedicated whale shark viewing | Included |
| Behind the Seas Tour | Above-tank viewing | $$$ |
| Journey with Gentle Giants Swim | Snorkel in exhibit | $$$$ |
| Journey with Gentle Giants Dive | SCUBA in exhibit | $$$$$ |
| Underwater Viewing Tunnel | Walk-through acrylic tunnel | Included |
Interesting Facts About Georgia Aquarium’s Whale Sharks
- The whale sharks consume approximately 5-10 pounds of food per feeding, multiple times daily
- Yushan has grown over 8 feet since arriving in 2007
- The acrylic viewing window weighs 60 tons and was manufactured in Japan
- It takes 24 hours to cycle all 6.3 million gallons through the filtration system
- The whale sharks share their exhibit with manta rays, groupers, and other species
- Georgia Aquarium has invested over $290 million in the facility since 2005
For more information about whale sharks, explore how big are whale sharks and what do whale sharks eat.
Related Questions
Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-02
People Also Ask
what do whale sharks eat?
Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton, fish eggs, krill, small fish, and squid. Despite being the largest fish in the ocean, they feed exclusively on tiny organisms.
Where Do Whale Sharks Live??
Whale sharks live in warm tropical and temperate waters between 30°N and 35°S latitude. They inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Top destinations include Mexico (Isla Holbox), Philippines (Oslob), Australia (Ningaloo Reef), Maldives, and Belize. They follow seasonal plankton blooms.
is a whale shark a whale or a shark?
A whale shark is a shark, not a whale. Despite its enormous size and whale-like name, the whale shark is a fish belonging to the class Chondrichthyes. It breathes through gills, is cold-blooded, and has a cartilaginous skeleton.
How Big Are Whale Sharks??
Whale sharks can reach 12m (40 ft) and weigh up to 20 tons, making them the largest fish in the world. The largest confirmed specimen was 18.8m (62 ft).
Test Your Knowledge: Whale Shark
Whale sharks are not fish, not mammals