Fish are forever fascinating, especially then they’re really big and suspended in space right there in front of your eyes.
This country boasts some bodacious aquariums, more than a few of them in the south. Understanding we run the risk of leaving someone out, here are three of the best. We’re going to start out in New Orleans, arc up through Atlanta and end up on the Carolina coast, in Charleston:
The story of how the curators at New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium of the Americas fought to save their wildlife during Hurricane Katrina is legendary. The city, and the aquarium, have bounced back nicely – especially the sea otters. The aquarium is arrayed long the banks of the Mississippi. If you can pry yourself away from those otters (it’s tough) be sure to drink in the colors of a Caribbean reef, touch a sting ray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at the sharks which prowl the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico habitat.
The self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Aquarium” is in the heart of Hotlanta, right downtown. The Georgia Aquarium harbors more than 10 million gallons of water and an array of blockbuster exhibits. Immerse yourself (figuratively, of course) in a water world of whale sharks, piranha, and living coral. Take in Dolphin Tales, a larger-than-life theatrical performance where real, live dolphins get co-billing with their human counterparts.
Although Charleston’s South Carolina Aquarium is not nearly as large as Atlanta’s, it too is laced with subtle lures. The main draw this spring is Madagascar Journey, a trip to one of the planet’s richest biospheres, Closer to Carolina roots is the outdoor Salt Marsh Aviary. Hang with herons, diamondback terrapins, pufferfish and the like. Then there are the stingrays, some 25 of them in all.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Images: Roby Ferrari, Benson Kua)
