 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
 |
|||||||||
New Fresh Water Exhibit Opens At Georgia Aquarium
Published Jan 18, 2008
Georgia Aquarium introduced a new fresh water exhibit featuring American alligators in the River Scout gallery on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. The seven alligators average 3-3.5 feet in length. The exhibit imitates the natural environment of a Georgia swamp and will teem different wildlife from Georgia’s grasslands, wetlands and lakes. The exhibit will give guests the opportunity to experience these intriguing animals that reside in the dark, still water.
By exhibiting American alligators, the Aquarium will have an opportunity to educate guests about conservation and endangered species. The American alligator was first listed as an endangered species in 1967 due to loss of habitat and market hunting. A combined effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies in the South, and the creation of large, commercial alligator farms saved these unique animals. In 1987, the Fish and Wildlife Service pronounced the American alligator fully recovered and consequently removed the animal from the list of endangered species.
The American alligator is one of the many new animals at the Georgia Aquarium. Leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, giant guitarfish and several smaller sharks have all recently been added to the Aquarium, creating a new experience for all visitors.
OTHER INFORMATION:
From North Carolina to Florida, and westward into eastern Texas, the American alligator is the apex predator of America’s wetlands. It preys on fish, birds, mammals and amphibians. This magnificent animal can weigh up to 1000 lbs and commonly attain lengths of 14 feet. It reaches sexual maturity no earlier than eight years of age.
About the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging and exciting guest experiences and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.
