Fish Tank

By CK Hall

November 4, 2005 12:28 PM | Link to this

What a waste! Why not let them(Sea Otters) live in a real environment ? They are not even endangered… This whole place is a real boondoggle, and should be avoided at all costs.It is a total ripoff and a “captive audience” of school children will try and keep it finacially afloat—Oops, maybe the exhorbitant family prices will help too!

By Lauren

November 4, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

I think the otters are a nice addition to the aquarium and without some in captivity, they will become extinct. It is also a way for people to learn about animals they would otherwise not see or experience in the wild.

By Jen

November 4, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this

I would just like to say that I am so appreciative for the Georgia Aquarium. I fell in love with Beluga whales while visiting the Vancouver Aquarium and having them come was just icing on the cake for me. I moved to Atlanta from Mississippi but now I call it my home. I am so proud that my son (recently turned two) will have a place to experience the wonders of the sea. My husband was in the Navy years ago and he has seen some of these creatures in the wild but something that is out of reach for many people. I plan on becoming a volunteer after the first of the year (if they’ll have me). I just want to say thanks. We bought our passes the day they went on sale. It couldn’t be a better deal. I wait to be AMAZED!

By Robin

November 4, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

I would no more visit the aquarium than I would the Atlanta Zoo…..if you want to study wildlife, watch the films on tv or go see them, don’t force them to be pent up in a cage or a tank just for you enjoyment…..disgusting.

By Chantel

November 4, 2005 01:20 PM | Link to this

I think that the aquarium is a wonderful addition to the already booming city of Atlanta. This is a great way to get more money into Atlanta to help build our economy. Just to think of all the people that will pass through our city to experience an aquarium of such magnitude is exciting to me.

By Kimberly Pass

November 4, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this

i cant believe GA is finnally getting its own aquarium. i think sea otters would be a unique site to see.Sea otters would probably atract a large amount of customers to the new Georgia aquarium.

By Kimberly Pass

November 4, 2005 01:29 PM | Link to this

i cant believe GA is finnally getting its own aquarium. i think sea otters would be a unique site to see.Sea otters would probably atract a large amount of customers to the new Georgia aquarium.It is very hard for some people to see such amazing animals in action. Therefore,i think this wol a marvlous experience.(just try not to keep the same otter for a long periods of time if they know to survive in the wild)

By Katortott

November 4, 2005 01:31 PM | Link to this

Looks like PETA members are alive and well here on this message board. First of all, the animals kept in this aquarium are eating better than they ever would in the wild, they exist without the threat of predators, and they also have an attentive veterinary staff to attend to their every need. Don’t get me wrong, I do think in some cases animals are abused and suffering in capitivity but I hardly doubt this is the case here. First of all if animals (including marine life) are stressed or sick they don’t eat, much less eat tons of food as this article indicates. I think many animals that are well cared for can thrive in captivity and also provide an educational and interesting experience for everyone.

By Renee

November 4, 2005 01:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Georgia all 33 years of my life and the recent addition of the aquarium is wonderful, sea otters and all. I just hate it didn’t open before I moved from Georgia, but I will be back to visit, and the aquarium is at the top of my list. So far I have only been to the aquariums in Boston, Tennessee and Myrtle Beach so I can’t wait to see this one.

Animals in captivity live quite well and it allows humans to see them in their habitat. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion.

By B. Phillips

November 4, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

The people like CK Hall and Robin really amaze me. Atlanta is about to be graced with the best aquarium in the country, and you people want to condemn it. FYI…The majority of people in this city can’t take off and go to the west coast just to see otters. They can’t jump on a plane to go to the Pacific Rim to see whale sharks. Many can’t even make the 5 hour trip to the coast to snorkel in the Atlantic and hope to see some pretty fish and maybe a coral reef. But, they can go to the aquarium (and the zoo), teach their children about the animals on exhibit, and get closer to some of these animals than they will ever have the chance to in their lifetime. Zoos and aquariums typically make people MORE aware of their environment and the need for conservation and cleanliness.

As for the price, I am tired of hearing people complain about it. In this city, it costs you $7.50 or more per person for a movie to sit their in a dumbed down state for 1.5 hours. We won’t even discuss the cost for Six Flags, Whitewater, college and professional sports in comparison. Heck, if you want to see all the sights at Stone Mountain, it is going to cost more than $20 per person for entry and tickets.

This city is receiving, as a gift, a top-notch, high-quality facility. If you don’t want to spend the money to go, or don’t feel it is the “right” thing to do, then STAY HOME! But, don’t try and rob the rest of us of the privilege and experience.

Signed, A Season Pass Holder

By mw

November 4, 2005 02:19 PM | Link to this

CK,

Sea Otters are threatened on the Alaskan Coastline thanks to the Exxon Valdez. I was lucky enough to travel to Alaska a few years ago and of all the wildlife I saw the otters were the most interesting. I am as big a supporter of conservation and wildlife as you will find but I honestly think these animals are being treated extremely well. Oz and Gracie were already in captivity. They have just been given a much better home than their previous one. Hopefully this aquarium will provide people with a chance to see things they may otherwise never have an opportunity to see. Parents will hopefully teach their children about the wonders of the sea and how important it is to protect it. One other note, the Whale Sharks were going to be eaten if Bernie didn’t manage to bring them here. So lighten up people. Atlanta getting this aquarium is a really great thing.

By CM

November 4, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this

In regards to those not in favor of the aquarium. I would like to ask if they have pets?

By Paige

November 7, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

I’m a marine biologist (PhD and actively working in the field). I wanted to be one since I was a kid - and that was due, in some part, to going to aquariums. I belive that I do more good for the environment than the harm I’ve caused by doing research on animals in school, and by being educated, fascinated, and awed by captive sea creatures.

Sure, we (as in the “we” of human society) are harming a few creatures in zoos and aquaria. However, if we’re causing a lot of bright eight-year-olds to want to dedicate their lives to science or wildlife preservation, then I think that the ends justify the means in this case.

You can’t replace actually being nose-to-nose with a beluga, or leafy sea dragon, or clownfish through the glass with the Discovery Channel (thank goodness!). Heck, if that was the case, then to the devil with marine parks and the endangered species act - we’ll all watch Animal Planet instead!

By Kim In Cali.

November 7, 2005 12:29 PM | Link to this

Having been in Cali. for a dozen or so years and having been to Monterrey Aquarium and the remodeled and improved Steinbeck Museum… Atlanta should be thrilled to have such a wonderful attraction as this!! I am jealous!!! It is right there in your backyard!! I have seen the cute and fuzzy sea otters (live )in the ocean and on display here and even saw the juvenile great white shark on display over the spring and early summmer months, she was then released. My, oh my, the feeling of awe,absolute awe when I saw her come of out of the blue depths and swim 3 feet in front of me!!!!! The size of the Georgia aquarium must be mind-boggling!!! Those of us interested (many) in this are already talking about it to see Atlanta’s own super aquarium. It can only add to this remarkable city!!!Can’t wait to see you there!!!!

By Heather

November 7, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this

I personally believe that the aquarium is a wonderful edition to this state. I have always wanted to go to an aquarium since I was little girl and was never fortunate enough to go. Now at 21 I can finally get a chance to go!!!!! Thanks!!!!

By Nancy

November 7, 2005 03:10 PM | Link to this

As a PETA supporter, I approve of the voice they are providing for animals that have no voice; HOWEVER, I do NOT approve of becoming more entralled with the crusade than with the cause.

CK Hall and Robin need to get a grip and read the blogs of Paige and mw. A small child turned into a marine biologist because of an aquarium experience and mw had an extraordinary piece of information about the whale sharks actually escaping the dinner plate because of our aquarium.

Keep up your support of animal rights but again remember that education and fact research and checking are as essential and integral to your stance as are your protests.

By Barbara

November 8, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

I am an active volunteer with the Aquarium, and people, do you have a treat awaiting you! I have been sworn to secrecy, but there’s a whole lot to discover yet! As to the comments about the animals being “mistreated” by being in an aquarium, I would like to live as well as they do. The Whale Sharks were going to be on someone’s plate, and the male Belugas were in a very bad situation. The Sea Otters seem very happy in their new environment. I saw them playing yesterday. And they are endangered in the wild. Check your facts. This aquarium is very concerned about conservation, and the environment, and will be teaching that message everyday. I can’t wait for opening day!