Latest news with #GeorgiaAquarium
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Best aquariums in US for families
With summer on the horizon, families are no doubt already deep in their vacation planning modes. While theme parks, water parks, national parks and beaches are top draws, why not consider adding in an aquarium visit? Aquariums are great for families as they offer a unique blend of education, entertainment and opportunities for bonding. On a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it wasn't only the five-year-olds that were fascinated. Aquariums hold multigenerational appeal, teaching about marine life, ecosystems and conservation in a way that any age can understand and appreciate. Here are some of the best aquariums in the U.S., renowned for their impressive exhibits, educational programs and family-friendly experiences. Look for one close to home or one to include in your summer travels. And be sure to set aside ample time for exploration. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta As the largest aquarium in the U.S. and one of the world's most spectacular, Georgia Aquarium boasts over 11 million gallons of water across seven major galleries. The aquarium is home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters and African penguins. Its focus is on marine animals from icy, cold environments. But there's so much to see here, we recommend not rushing through this impressive aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, Calif. Located in the idyllic seaside town of Monterey on Cannery Row, this has always been one of my favorites and happens to be one of the most celebrated aquariums in the world due to its groundbreaking exhibits, dedicated marine conservation works and stunning oceanfront setting. On a recent visit however, I was more than impressed by the added exhibits and upgrades offering guests a front-row seat to life above and below the abundantly blessed waters of the Pacific. Visitors will see unforgettable sea life - which includes the deep, dark undersea cavernous environment where exotic life exists - along with celebrating local creatures from the Monterey Bay environs. National Aquarium, Baltimore Transport yourself to the underwater wonders of the world. No visit to the Baltimore Harbor is complete without exploring the National Aquarium, featuring thousands of animals representing many parts of the globe, including the Amazon Rain Forest, an Australian river gorge and Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Though all these displays are impressive, don't miss the local love, a 10,000 square-foot floating wetland that mimics the Chesapeake Bay's original tidal marsh habitat. Afterward, enjoy exploring the vibrant waterfront. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans Situated on the Mississippi River waterfront of downtown New Orleans, the aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, many endangered and ranging from penguins and sea otters to jellyfish and seahorses. Though many visitors don't think about visiting an aquarium while in New Orleans, you should. When it reopened in June 2023 after a massive renovation, the aquarium became the only facility in the world to house both an aquarium and an insectarium under one roof. Newport Aquarium, Newport, Ky. Who would think that Kentucky would have one of the country's best aquariums? Located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, the aquarium houses thousands of the world's most exotic aquatic creatures. The all-new Coral Reef Tunnel is stunning, a new jellyfish exhibit has opened, and a favorite attraction is the Shark Bridge, a suspended rope bridge over a shark tank, allowing visitors to walk only inches away from sharks, rays and fish. Mermaids Cove has returned as an interactive event where guests can meet performers dressed as mermaids and touch a stingray. Mermaids will also be at Coral Reef Tunnel and a meet and greet at the Shark Ray Bay Theater. New England Aquarium, Boston Situated on Boston's Central Wharf, this renowned marine science center and aquarium has been captivating visitors since 1969. The Giant Ocean Tank lies at the heart of the aquarium, a cylindrical 200,000-gallon exhibit simulating a colorful Caribbean coral reef. The four-story tank is home to Myrtle, a beloved green sea turtle who has been a resident since 1970, along with other sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. The tank also features a spiral walkway with 67 windows, allowing visitors to view the marine life from multiple angles. Other exhibits include a shark and ray touch tank, coral reef, penguin colony and the Amazon Rainforest, housing poison dart frogs, piranhas and anacondas. Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii This award-winning aquarium connects visitors with Hawaii's marine life, where you can journey through a 54-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, visit Turtle Lagoon with its majestic honu (sea turtles) and venture below the water's surface with life-sized koholā (humpback whales) in the mesmerizing "Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi" 3D Sphere Experience. Guests can take a ukulele lesson, discover the art of fishnet weaving and learn how to prepare traditional Hawaiian foods. Of utmost importance, the aquarium, along with the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center helps restore coral reefs along with rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago One of the most popular Chicago attractions and one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, Shedd opened in 1930 and houses over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species across five million gallons of water. Some of its most popular highlights include Amazon Rising, an 8,600-square-foot walkthrough re-creating the flooded forests of the Amazon River; Wild Reef, an impressive simulation of a Philippine coral reef and home to sharks, rays and other vibrant sea life; and the Abbott Oceanarium, the largest indoor mammal facility in the world. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego Though it's not a large aquarium, it's quite impressive. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium serves as the public outreach for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Our grandchildren loved the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit, the pint-sized penguins, the shark and ray viewing area of Blue Beach and the impressive interactive tide pool filled with sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, abalone and more. Opening on May 22, 2025, Living Seas will take guests on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of our ocean planet - from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Coastal California to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Oregon Coast Aquarium When an aquarium celebrates its local marine ecosystems, that's a good sign. Offering immersive experiences representing the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium spans 23 acres along Yaquina Bay and is home to over 64,000 animals across 375 species. Visitors can step back to prehistoric times in Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, watch sea lions and harbor seals play in the Pacific waters or search for a glimpse of the elusive giant Pacific octopus. One of the top features of the venue is the Seabird Aviary, housing exotic tufted puffins, common murres and rhinoceros auklets. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Well-known for its dedication to wildlife preservation, this aquarium located in downtown Tampa's Channel District offers a fascinating look into the world's aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Mosaic Exhibit Hall features rotating sea life exhibits, while the Wetlands Trail provides an immersive journey through Florida's ecosystems, which include a mangrove forest, cypress swamp and freshwater swamp, home to alligators, otters, turtles and a free-flight aviary. Odysea Aquarium, Scottsdale, Ariz. The desert meets the ocean at Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, boasting the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The state-of-the-art facility features an impressive array of sea life including sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sloths and more. As one of the most fascinating and immersive aquatic experiences, the OdySea Voyager features a 20-minute rotating journey through four major exhibits aboard a stadium-seating "submarine" with 46-foot viewing windows. Those looking for even more adventure can don a wetsuit and helmet and head eight feet underwater on the SeaTREK Helmet Diving encounter. _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
NO EMERGENCY: Atlanta police doing ‘scenario-based training' at Georgia Aquarium
If you see a massive fire and police presence around the Georgia Aquarium, it's not because of any emergency, it's because of 'scenario-based training' by Atlanta police. Currently, Baker Street NW is closed down in both directions around the aquarium. The training goes until 11 p.m. Wednesday night. NewsChopper 2 flew over the aquarium, where we could see a host of Atlanta fire trucks on police cars. TRENDING STORIES: Atlanta police investigate shooting of 11-year-old Driver says 'great-grandmother was dying' after leading GA deputies on chase 'Not just a home:' Pre-Civil War house being moved from Cobb County But again, there is no emergency situation going on. Atlanta police held a news conference starting at 4 p.m., and we have a Channel 2 Action News reporter and photographer there. Stay with and tune into Channel 2 Action News RIGHT NOW for the latest on this story.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Troubled sperm whale washes up on Hilton Head Island. What's going to happen to it?
A 31-foot sperm whale at risk of death washed up on Hilton Head Island on Saturday evening, drawing a crowd of onlookers to South Forest Beach on Sunday. The whale, whose sex and age has not been determined, is not in good health, according to marine mammal biologist Clay George with the National Marine Fisheries Service. 'It's skinny, it's emaciated,' George said. 'Its health was poor before it got here.' Because of the whale's poor health, it will be euthanized if it does not die on its own. A necropsy will be performed on the animal to probe deeper into the animal's cause of death, which could take months to complete, George said. According to the town oh Hilton Head Island's Facebook page from earlier Sunday. 'A beached sperm whale has been spotted on Hilton Head Island. The whale is still alive, and trained professionals, including NOAA and marine mammal experts, are on-site doing everything possible to keep it comfortable. Several local sea life advocates and residents have posted thoughts of hope for the stranded mammal. When whales beach themselves, it's often because they are already seriously ill or injured. In this case, euthanasia has been determined to be the most humane option. However, the specific type and amount of euthanasia medication required is not something that's readily available and is currently being transported from Florida. A highly experienced veterinarian from the Georgia Aquarium is also en route to perform the procedure. We understand how difficult this is to witness, and we appreciate the community's compassion and patience. Please continue to respect the perimeter and give responders the space they need.' In December of 2018 an 11-foot adult male pygmy sperm whale washed up on Mitchelville Beach near Hilton Head Plantation. In that case, the whale was badly decomposed. In January of 2019, a second pygmy sperm whale was discovered near Burke's Beach. More to come Monday with updates on new developments on the fate and future of the whale.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
Stunning images of the moon, why bakeries are struggling, how to rein in anxiety: Catch up on the day's stories
Editor's Note: CNN's 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Political division. Worry about paying the bills. Social media overload. Whatever the cause, anxiety can be debilitating. Controlling it starts with this simple step. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Dazzling images: The Blue Ghost spacecraft has been sharing stunning visuals of our celestial neighbor since it entered the moon's orbit a week and a half ago. It will attempt to land on the lunar surface in just a few days. Take a closer look. 2️⃣ Burned out: In Los Angeles, homes under $1 million are hard to come by. The devastating wildfires don't seem to have deterred people who are buying up charred empty lots where homes once stood. The risk of future fires looms large. 3️⃣ Shell-shocked: Egg costs are skyrocketing because of the bird flu outbreak, and bakeries are being hit especially hard because it's such a critical ingredient. They're raising prices and worried about losing customers. 4️⃣ That's the spirit: After a string of airline incidents, some people are having reservations about flying. But they're standing by a surprising carrier known for its tiny seats, frequent delays and baggage fees — in addition to charging for snacks and drinks. 5️⃣ Emotional journey: Nearly 10 years after his father died, Will McGough wanted to honor his memory by scattering his ashes in the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. The trip didn't go as planned. 🏔️ Snowed under: Body camera footage shows the moment rescuers in Colorado spotted a snowmobiler's avalanche airbag and dug him out to safety. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. • Trump and Macron discuss path forward for Ukraine on third anniversary of Russian invasion• US halts plan to house migrants in tents at Guantanamo amid concerns over conditions• Lester Holt is stepping down as anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' That's how many people have died since January in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the prime minister. 🎨 Past and present: Derrick Adams uses his paintings to spotlight important moments in Black history as well as to bookmark his own personal interests and fixations. 🪖 Uncertain future: Thousands of transgender US military troops and recruits are stuck in limbo because of an executive order from President Donald Trump casting doubt on their fitness to serve. 📺 Which Oscar winner made a surprise voice cameo on the latest episode of 'The White Lotus'? A. Cillian MurphyB. Ke Huy QuanC. Ryan GoslingD. Robert Downey Jr.⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🐟 Venturing out: In November, a car accident left Brandon Simmons with a spinal cord injury. Months later, although he was nervous, the 18-year-old visited the Georgia Aquarium using a wheelchair for the first time in public. What motivated him? His father's advice: 'Don't ever say you can't do anything.' 👋 We'll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: B. Quan, who won a best supporting actor Oscar for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' had a voice cameo.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's 5 Things PM was edited by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Eduarda Speggiorin.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Way of Greater Atlanta holds leadership luncheon for young Black men
The United Way of Greater Atlanta is working to help young Black men find the keys to success. The group hosted its ninth annual African American Partnership Leadership Luncheon on Friday where they celebrated their mission. 'We are celebrating 120 years. We have been in this community for 120 years, investing in this community,' Katrina Mitchell, Chief Community Impact Officer with United Way of Greater Atlanta said. The event was held at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. Channel 2′s Director of Community and Public Affairs Condace Pressley spoke with actor Michael Ealy at the event. 'It's all about helping the community for me, and when I was asked to do this, it was in learning about what the organization is doing that I was able to say yes,' Ealy said. 'I am a believer in the, 'It takes a village' mentality, so I look at it more as a responsibility, not so much as an achievement.' The program explored critical issues affecting young Black men in our communities. Ealy wanted to encourage this crowd who raises money and dedicates resources throughout Metro Atlanta to keep pushing forward. 'I think you have to one keep up the good fight, there is no quitting when you get into this kind of work,' he said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 'Armed and dangerous' shooting suspect could be in Atlanta Fulton deputies make drug bust after pulling over man for not wearing his seatbelt 'They've been fumbled too many times:' Atlanta's unhoused face warming center challenges [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
