Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium Reaches 1 Million Visitors Milestone
Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 03.02.06 | 2:14 AM ET
It comes only 98 days after the Georgia Aquarium opened its doors, according to a CNN report today. Impressive numbers and a rousing success, yet I have to admit that I’ve never really understood the appeal of aquariums.
I get that they bring the underwater world to thousands of people who might never otherwise see a tiger shark or a clown fish or a platypus. But mostly I find aquariums sad. Not too long ago I visited the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and I couldn’t help thinking how abnormal it is for a shark to be hauled to the middle of the desert and surrounded by kids in stained T-shirts. You might say a casino curiosity isn’t comparable to a full-fleged aquarium, but the presentation is essentially the same: out-of-place marine life behind glass thick enough to stop a bullet.
The CNN story leads me to believe I’m in the minority when it comes to aquariums, so for anyone looking for a quick fix, check out the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Cam and the interactive tour of the Georgia Aquarium on CNN. If you’re looking for penguins, try the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s feed at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT.
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Michael Yessis is the cofounder and coeditor-in-chief of World Hum.
Heather 03.03.06 | 10:35 AM ET
I wanted to comment about your thoughts on sea life in captivity. I’m personally not in favor of the having tanks and fish at home (or any type of exotic or wild animal for that matter), but I think that aquariums are a wonderful opportunity for children and adults to learn about, get inspired by and experience first-hand (rather than from a stale, flat textbook), the amazing species that live in our oceans, seas and waterways. Plus, these animals are in an environment where trained scientists and professionals care for them and maintain a natural environment for them to live in.
I also wanted to say that I can see your point about “not getting” why so many people flocked to the Aquarium; even though I share that same passion for all things that live underwater (so much so I am a volunteer SCUBA diver for my local aquarium…), I find a trip to the zoo pretty boring. It takes all kinds…
mike 03.04.06 | 6:45 PM ET
I see your point too, Heather. I’m sure an aquarium as seen through a child’s eyes is an entirely different experience.