Georgia Aquarium Georgia Aquarium News

I have been reading this fascinating back and forth between the European and American sides. Being an American, I might have a little bias. I have absolutely no problem with the Georgia Aquarium bringing in "common" dolphins. I have more of an issue with the whole "dolphin show" idea, but that is a personal view point. As far as bringing in an endangered species, like river dolphins, while it may be good in concept, I honestly cannot see how that could help out conservation as there really isn't a captive breeding program for cetaceans (and if there is, I do stand corrected). Working at a zoo I know that there is a fine balance between having animals that draw people in and having animals that are of conservational value. At my own zoo who would rather go and see our tuatara or perentie monitors as opposed to a lion (which we currently do not have). The answer would of course be someone who posts on this forum. For the average zoo/aquarium goer something common like a lion or a dolphin is far more gratifying than a rare antelope species. On the other hand something exotic and dare I say sexy like a whale shark (or 4) has an equal draw. Where this leads to dolphins is that an average zoo/aquarium goer (i.e. those with money to spend) will get as much, if not more satisfaction out of a "common" dolphin as opposed to a river dolphin.

In my opinion here is where the Georgia Aquarium wins. I live roughly equidistant from Shedd, Monterey Bay, and Georgia Aruariums, but if I had my choice, hands down I would pick Georgia first. Does that say something about my own personal taste, of course it does, but you have to admit that for an Aquarium to have a several thousand mile draw is something impressive. I read more about the Georgia Aquarium than I ever read about Shedd or Monterey Bay. The shear draw of having one special species (whale sharks) has made me want to go to this aquarium, and this is something that I cannot say about the other two. I can go and see dolphins, or otters, or beluga whales at any number of other facilities, but Georgia has something special. So what is it has the aesthetics of a shopping mall. I've been to some pretty nice malls. You have to remember that any animal facility whether it is a zoo, an aquarium, or a wildlife park ideally should be equally about the people AND the animals. If it were all about the animals then people wouldn't show up, and if people don't show up the facility won't continue to exist. Conversely, if a zoo were all about the people it would serve no purpose and would just be another amusement park with maybe an animal or two thrown in for good measure.

As far as socialism versus capitalism goes, in my opinion (and I must give a caveat here as it is somewhat limited) the zoo that tend to do the best both publicly, fiscally, and as far as animal welfare goes tend to be the ones that are privately or semi-privately run. This obviously would fall more into the capitalist vein. I'm not saying that "social" zoos (i.e. zoos that get all or most of their funding from government sources) are bad, not at all, its just there is a stronger impetus for a private zoo to make itself better by updating facilities which will draw in the people.
 
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This debate raging between ANyhuis and Sun Wukong has been interesting to read, and I've had a relationship on ZooChat with both of them in the past. It's been mainly positive with each of them, but there has been some stark differences and thus I will surely not be seen as taking a particular side in this discussion. I've decided to comment primarily because my name has been brought up on a few occasions.:) My thread "Snowleopard's Epic Road Trip" contained a comprehensive review of the Georgia Aquarium, and I stand by that analysis as I type this almost a year after my visit.

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest of its kind on the planet, and there are many people that believe that it is either the best or certainly one of the best aquariums in the world. I have stated before that in North America it is difficult to choose between Shedd, Georgia and Monterey Bay, but if pressed I'd rank them in that order. However, the 6 million gallon whale shark tank is a sight to behold, and it is awe-inspiring to see the 4 behemoths swim overhead. The rest of the aquarium is immaculately designed, with some gorgeous tanks and exotic specimens. My review points out perceived weaknesses in the establishment, but overall it is tough to deny the fact that it is a marvelous place to visit.

I'd personally love to see the world's largest aquarium spend $110 million on an endangered species rather than on common bottlenose dolphins, and nothing would please me more than the choice of another cetacean, manatees or dugongs in a spectacular environment. However, dolphins will appeal to many young children as they are familiar aquatic animals; shows will entice people to spend more time at the aquarium; dolphins are easy to train and there are well-established strategies for maintaining them in captivity; there will undoubtedly be an increase in the already exorbitant admission cost ($31.50 for an adult); and thus the idea could be accused of reeking of pure capitalism. It must be incredibly difficult to juggle the ideals of conservation and preservation with the notion of making big bucks. Since the aquarium was originally privately funded, along with some corporate sponsorship, who are we to judge what the money is spent on? As long as the aquarium continues to get even bigger and better than it already is, then the general public will be more than willing to continue to line up for an hour or more just to get in the front door.

I own the brilliant history book of the Georgia Aquarium, and Bernie Marcus was the founder of Home Depot who had the capital clout to be able to invest heavily in the revitalization of the downtown core of the city of Atlanta. Local labour was used in the construction of the aquarium, restaurants and hotels have sprouted up in the surrounding neighbourhoods, thousands of jobs have been created, and billions of dollars in revenue from all of the Atlanta attractions has aided in the improvements seen in that metropolis. Bernie Marcus opened his first Home Depot in Atlanta, and so he wanted to give back to the local community with his massive donation of $250 million. It's overtly cynical to criticize a philanthropist for donating money towards a good cause, and the success is there for all to see. In the first 12 months over 3.6 million people visited the aquarium, and now Atlanta is in high demand for tourists. After visiting the Georgia Aquarium, the engaging World of Coca-Cola right next door, the free Olympic Park walking area, and the CNN news building I'd have to admit that I'd go back to Atlanta in a heartbeat! Toss in the huge sports stadiums and the downtown core is definitely a huge improvement over what it was a decade ago, and the nearby zoo is also full of giant pandas, orangutans and over 20 gorillas. I only wish that a wealthy benefactor would open the world's largest aquarium in my city!:)
 
@ANyhuis: If you think that my last post was written in anger and agony, then you should read one when I'm pissed off...So if you have problems to understand my references, then I'd recommend you to read your previous post. "Just don't put down others' opinions!" Once again-practise what you preach. Reg. "the enemy": take a look at one of our previous encounters...

Don't make the US population bigger than it is:
U.S. POPClock Projection
And no, I'm not from the Czech Republic; better luck next time. Why should I reconsider my honest opinion? Because it's not in accordance with yours?

What do I want the Georgia Aquarium to be? Certainly not an amusement park for spoiled kiddies, just like so many zoos are. This shouldn't be the main reason to keep wild animals. It should be a facility to learn and teach-yes, maybe something like a "liquid, living library";). Life is more than just iddle entertainment for the masses. I like kids, but that doesn't justify everything.

From what I have experienced in Atlanta, it will take more than a big aquarium to improve the status of the city. And yes, it was one of the filthier (you sure love the word, don't ya?) American cities-trust me, I have seen and lived in my share of them.

If they were really interested in conservation, they could invest the 110 million in something far, far more useful. It didn't have to be what "I want", but at least it could be more useful than just another bottlenose dolphin show...If they had "my" interest in conservation, the future for some animals would most certainly look way better than it does now. Isn't that what a real animal lover should be all about?

And to answer your question with a counter question: why is it so important for you to "positivize" everything and overlook even more than obvious faults? A noncritical "business myopia" is never helpful.
There are several things going on in the zoo and aquarium world that are plain and simply not correct-for a start, the keeping of wild animals for the mere entertainment of the paying public. Even the most dedicated and enthusiastic zoo staff and zoo fans should be honest enough to admit that.
So it's no wonder that people who know that (and I think reduakari will agree with me on this) are more critical and realistic than those rather naive zoo members who think zoos and aquariums are "happy happy joy joy places" where everything is great. I think (constructive) critique aka, in your slang, "bashing" is more useful for all involved (especially the animals) and leads sooner to progress than an uncritical, euphemistic palliation of the current status. If that sounds "negative": well, tough luck; the world and especially the zoo world isn't always a nice & cuddly G-rated place.

@Others: Well, glad to read that I can play your entertainment monkey...
Just a few remarks: once again, don't consider superlatives to be signs of quality, @snowleopard, and neither opinions of a majority (if it is really a majority...); see my previous remark on that...Ah, yes: do call me "overtly cynical" if that makes you happy :D .
And @jbnbsn99: read in another thread (Conservation or "Preservation") why an ex-situ breeding group isn't the single advisable action, but rather why the protection of the habitat should be financed (with captive individuals as "ambassadors" and "guinea pigs") as the most important form of conservation. Last but not least: don't underestimate the appeal of river dolphins (Boto "Baby" at Duisburg)...
 
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Let's see, in this latest Sun W response:
1) children are "spoiled kiddies"
2) many zoos are merely "amusement parks" for the above-mentioned spoiled brats
3) another bottlenose dolphin exhibit is NOT "useful" -- even though it will generate millions of additional visitors and dollars (of course that's bad!)
4) zoos and aquariums "keep wild animals for the mere entertainment of the paying public"
5) if any zoo staff member disagrees with #4 above, he/she is not honest
6) those of us who are positive about zoos (like me) are "naive"
7) America is full of filthy cities, with Atlanta being one of them.

Then again, this is all only a "constructive critique". Have I misquoted you?

Why am I so positive? Easy! Because I love zoos! Having written 2 books about zoos, I want more people to love them. I want zoos to become major tourist attractions, so they can have the funds to continue to improve themselves. Are zoos perfect? No. Do they all have things that could be improved? Of course. So why don't I rag on and on about those negative things, instead of concentrating on the positives? Easy -- there's already PETA, Hancocks, IDA, and plenty of other zoo-haters out there pointing out every fault that zoos have, so why do they need more bashing from their "friends" here on ZooChat? Isn't this board supposed to be for zoo-lovers? I certainly thought so.

I appreciate your correction on the USA population, but if you re-read my post, I was referring to the population of North America, which really IS about 450 million (USA 300m + Mexico 100m + Canada/C.Am 50m).

I'll close with a surprise -- I agree with you! A river dolphin exhibit would be awesome! I remember seeing Chuckles at the Pittsburgh Zoo and it was one of the zoo highlights of my life! And you're right, that truly WAS a real crowd-drawer. Don't be surprised if Georgia really does have a river dolphin exhibit within the next decade. Hopefully all of the money they make from the bottlenose dolphin exhibit will give them the necessary funds to bring in river dolphins. Question: will you applaud them then?

I'd really suggest you re-read your posts! While I don't genuinely believe this, but you come across as anti-children, anti-American, anti-capitalism, and anti-zoo. At least that's the way you sound. Glad you're not "really pissed" yet.
 
okapikpr said:
The aquarium adds Sandbar Sharks to the collection bringing the total to 14 species of shark at the aquarium.
Click to expand...

They must mean 14 species of sharks and rays. These are ones I have seen or know of at the aquarium.

Sharks:
Whale
Great Hammerhead
Sand Tiger
Sandbar
Blacktip Reef
Zebra
Bonnethead
Tassled Wobbegong
Horn

Rays:
Manta
Cownose
Leopard whiptail
Bowmouth guitarfish
Largetooth sawfish

There are also large stingrays in ocean voyager that I do not know what species they are. That would make 15 species of shark and rays, as well. If there are more shark species at Georgia Aquarium I would like to know which species I missed.
 
Loxodonta, I believe they are adding the sawtooth and guitarfish (which they have two species of) into the count, but not the actual rays...I also remember seeing a lemon or nurse shark or was I just looking at the zebra shark?

I recently visited, and I would have to say that the aquarium has put too many fish in the Ocean Voyager tank. When I first visited six months after the aquarium opened, the whole tank seemed huge with all the space afforded to the fish. They still had a massive amount of fish in the tank, but the whole experience felt like you were in a mini-ocean...almost a real pelagic feel to it.

After three years, it seems that most of the fish no longer school together as the once had...not even the cownose stingrays that would flock together and "fly" throughout the tank. It all appears like a massive pet store fish tank that has stocked as many fish into it as possible. I dont mind the additions and increasing variety in the tank....but they have just introduced to much quanitity.
 
okapikpr said:
Loxodonta, I believe they are adding the sawtooth and guitarfish (which they have two species of) into the count, but not the actual rays...I also remember seeing a lemon or nurse shark or was I just looking at the zebra shark?

I recently visited, and I would have to say that the aquarium has put too many fish in the Ocean Voyager tank. When I first visited six months after the aquarium opened, the whole tank seemed huge with all the space afforded to the fish. They still had a massive amount of fish in the tank, but the whole experience felt like you were in a mini-ocean...almost a real pelagic feel to it.

After three years, it seems that most of the fish no longer school together as the once had...not even the cownose stingrays that would flock together and "fly" throughout the tank. It all appears like a massive pet store fish tank that has stocked as many fish into it as possible. I dont mind the additions and increasing variety in the tank....but they have just introduced to much quanitity.
Click to expand...

If they are counting the guitarfish and sawtooth then they are contradicting themselves because they are species of rays (I learned that at the Georgia Aquarium!). They were zebra sharks and not lemons or nurse.

I also agree Ocean Voyager is getting a little crowded. I too visited not long after its opening and definitely remember more schools of fish. In particular I remember the little yellow fish that would school in front whale sharks mouth which was interesting to see. I also remember larger schools of cownose rays but when I visited in October '08 and March '09 the yellow fish were not there and the cownose schools were smaller. Don't get me wrong, I like seeing the manta and all the shark species but when does it become too many fish?
 
I feel the bigger stuff is fine...there are not to many. But its all the smaller species (mullet, tarpon, tuna, wrasse, etc.), the tank has become so dense that behaviorally it would not make since for the fish to school in species (though a few still do). In such a large mass, im sure the individual fish would feel "safer"...that survival instinct to school no longer exists now.
 
An absolutely staggering number. Wow, 10 million in less than 4 years for a brand-new aquarium. I wonder if the $110 million dolphinarium opening in 2010 will create record-breaking attendance in the future?
 
This is from the LA times, regarding the Tiger Shark Leaving Aquarium of the Pacific.

"We told you last month that a tiger shark -- a particularly finicky tiger shark, in fact -- had taken up residence at Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific. The shark, a female, was born in captivity after its pregnant mother was caught accidentally in a fisherman's net in Taiwan. Although the species is rarely kept in aquariums (only two other facilities in the U.S. have tiger sharks in residence), the renowned Aquarium of the Pacific decided to try its hand at caring for one of the still largely mysterious creatures.

The idea of caring for a tiger shark was one thing; as it turned out, actually caring for one in practice was quite another. The shark proved a difficult customer. Though members of its species are sometimes called "wastebaskets of the sea" for their propensity to eat oceangoing garbage like boat cushions and license plates, the juvenile female had a distinctly different appetite, regularly turning down delicacies like restaurant-grade ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, halibut and shrimp. Our colleague Louis Sahagun caught up with Steve Blair, the aquarium's assistant curator, as he went through the daily routine of trying to get the creature to eat. "If she's having a tough day and not eating," Blair told Sahagun, "I'll probably be kind of grumpy when I get home that night."

Perhaps Blair is having more pleasant evenings of late, because the tiger shark recently moved to another facility, our sister blog Outposts reports today. She was moved, according to a statement released by the aquarium, in an effort to give her more space in which to swim. (In an effort to protect her from larger sharks in the Aquarium of the Pacific's Shark Lagoon exhibit, she had been kept in a sequestered area within the larger pool.)

Although it declined to identify the tiger shark's new home by name, the Aquarium of the Pacific noted in its statement that the facility is accredited by the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums and will be able to provide a larger enclosure for her.

"We are thrilled that we had the rare opportunity to have her at the Aquarium of the Pacific these past six months and on exhibit this past summer," the statement continued. "She has served as an ambassador to those in the wild and created greater awareness for the plight of tiger sharks and their need for protection. We also have learned much about this species in the process of caring for her. We wish her well in her new home."

-- Lindsay Barnett"

I think theres a strong possibility it's heading to the Georgia Aquarium. it'd look amazing in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
 
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