Georgia Aquarium (Fulton County, Georgia)

 

My hiking time was limited this morning because we had arranged to take my mother to the Georgia Aquarium today. She gets stuck in the house quite a bit and while she can't walk long distances, we purchased a wheel chair for her several months ago and the aquarium is supposedly wheel chair compliant. I think she'll really enjoy this place. My wife and I visited here shortly after moving to the Atlanta area with her brother's young family. It was a great time and while not exactly an outdoor adventure like most of my write-ups, I think it has a place here.

After we parked the car, we decided to grab some quick lunch before entering the aquarium facility, as we were all pretty hungry. Once we finished, I wheeled mom up the ramp and we entered the aquarium. It's crazy busy, but most people are specially aware and polite enough to give room to someone in a wheel chair. Not all, but most! For our first stop, we head into the shark area and witness some dangerous hammerheads and sand sharks swimming around. Pretty impressive animals.

Next, we headed into the auditorium to see the dolphin show. Themed for the upcoming Halloween holiday, we get to watch the dolphins and trainers show off their speed and leaping skills. The auditorium had elevator access and we were directed to a an area to mom in the wheel chair. It worked out pretty well and I think she really enjoyed it.

After leaving the auditorium, we passed through River Scout area and got to see some alligators and turtles sunning themselves in the simulated sunlight. This facility is home to a number of albino alligators, which is quite interesting. Apparently, these animals don't survive long in the wild due to their inability to ambush their prey. They are often brought here and to other preserves to extend their lives and livelihood.

Mom wanted to see some penguins and so we headed into the Cold Water Quest area next. There were a great many of them going about their daily affairs. I think she got a kick out of watching their antics.

For our last stop, we visited the gigantic Ocean Voyager aquarium. At 6.3 million gallons, this large area is home to whale sharks, sea turtles, rays, and a broad spectrum of other ocean dwellers. We took some time and I walked mom down to the large viewing area where she stared in awe and the gigantic and colorful creatures parading in front of her. 

I think she really enjoyed here time at the aquarium, but with the Atlanta Falcons game ending very shortly nearby, we want to get out of downtown traffic as quickly as possible before getting stuck. After a quick trip through the gift shop, we make our way to the car and head for home.