Thursday, October 15, 2009

Aquarium Visit

We spent the day at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta today. I've been wanting to go since they acquired the elusive whale shark for their collection, and today we discovered that they actually have FOUR of them.

It is rather expensive to visit, but when you think about their food budget it balances out, I am sure. And look at these two handsome fellows I found hanging out by the tank!

We'll get to see their brother on Saturday!


The whale shark is actually a fish - here you can see them swimming in the tank. They are spotted and enormous, and they swim slowly and gracefully through the water. I could have watched them for hours.







The Georgia Aquarium also has two manta rays - you can see one of them here. They were fascinating, as well, with their underwater acrobatics! They swoop through the water in giant somersaults, their mouths open to scoop up food.

And who doesn't love a lionfish? Except folks who step on them, I imagine - all those lovely spines are venomous!

And, like every good aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium had some educational offerings, too. The one I'd like to share today is the idea of sustainable seafood. Overfishing is causing population collapses among some species, so you can go here and find out how to choose a seafood feast that won't bring a species to extinction. I know I'll be more mindful of sustainability before I make my next seafood purchase.

And we are on vacation, so I'll post again next week when we return - hopefully there will be quite a few more photos! Have a great week, everyone!

8 comments:

Heidi D said...

So cool! I love aquariums so much. Those are cool pictures too. :)

Lisa-Maladylis said...

looks like fun ! I haven't been to the one in Boston in a while. Maybe we will do it this winter when it's cold out side. Have a great vacation !

Susie said...

I'm so envious of you seeing the aquarium. When we lived there we never went. Maybe one of these days. Hope you continue to enjoy your vacation Terri.

Thistledew Farm said...

What a fun day!!!! I think we saw whale sharks in Hawaii. Those are handsome guys!

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

I have never, ever been to the GA Aquarium. I'm hoping the kids get to take a field trip there and maybe I can be a chaperone!!

Connie said...

Wonderful photos, Terri. Aquariums are such beautiful and peaceful places to visit. Hope you have a great time on your vacation! :D

TC said...

Thanks for takin us along with you to the aquarium! I've never been to one before so this was a first for me!

(I'm sorry for not stoppin in for such a long time! I think the early hours as a school bus driver has affected my schedule in more ways than I imagined it would.)

blushing rose said...

Enjoy your vacation! I love aquariums ... our favorites are Boston & Baltimore. Have fun.

Have a warm wonderful week. TTFN ~ Marydon