USA: Georgia Aquarium Announces Expansion Plans
Since its opening in late 2005, Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium has been educating and entertaining visitors with fascinating ocean-themed areas (cf. EAP, 2/06). The largest aquarium in the United States, it started operation with five immersive underwater worlds, achieving a visitor record of ten million guests in June 2009 (cf. EAP news from August 28th, 2009). To continue engaging people for the oceans in the future, Georgia Aquarium has recently revealed its latest expansion plans including a new gallery for the presentation of sharks and a redesigned entrance area.
“We have always done things big, and twelve years after our opening we are still holding true to that. This new expansion will enhance our guests’ experience as soon as they enter the aquarium and will spotlight an all-new gallery with awe-inspiring species of sharks. We can safely say, Georgia, you’re going to need a bigger aquarium,” commented Joseph Handy, President and COO of Georgia Aquarium.
According to the plans, the all-new saltwater gallery will feature floor to ceiling acrylic windows to provide guests with an up-close and personal view to majestic shark species such as hammerheads, sand tiger sharks or sandbar sharks. Additionally, a number of animal interactions are in the works for the new exhibit. Visitors will get the opportunity to learn more about the vital role sharks play in our oceans’ health as well as about the threats they are exposed to. The expansion will add tens of thousands of square feet to the existing site, including a larger main entrance extended into the plaza. Construction works are set to begin this month and a temporary entrance will open in September this year. For the first time in its existence, the nonprofit Georgia Aquarium will be seeking funding for its newest addition. (eap)
