As we are in the midst of the largest oil spill in U.S. history, we also face an enormous threat to the largest fish and one of the most vulnerable species in the Gulf of Mexico, the whale shark. During their annual migration from Belize to the coast of Florida, these magnificent animals are threatened with migrating directly through the heart of the oil spill.

Today, you have the opportunity to make a difference and support our conservation and research efforts by becoming a part of our whale shark adoption program. Our research team is working around the clock to better understand these gentle giants and the potential impact the oil spill has on their future health. Your adoption makes these vital research and conservation efforts through our 4R Program possible.

No two plushes are the same! Your plush adoption supports Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts and includes a full adoption package:

$75 Adopt an Animal Program ($55 tax-deductible)
• A limited edition and numbered custom whale shark plush
• Personalized Adoption Certificate
• Whale shark fact sheet
• Recognition on Georgia Aquarium’s 4R Donor Wall
• A Georgia Aquarium ticket, valid through 10-31-2010
• Subscription to Georgia Aquarium’s eco-friendly e-newsletter
Adopt Now
$25 Eco-Friendly, Virtual Adoption
• Emailed personalized Adoption Certificate
• Emailed whale shark fact sheet
• Subscription to Georgia Aquarium’s eco-friendly e-newsletter
Adopt Now

Georgia Aquarium is a proud partner for whale shark research around the globe – including at Georgia Aquarium and in Quintana Roo, Mexico. While they are the largest fish in the sea, little is known about whale sharks. With your support and adoption, we are able to learn about these amazing animals through our 4R Program. The 4R Program encompasses rescue, research, rehabilitation and responsibility, and with your adoption you will help maintain this instrumental program.


With your adoption, Georgia Aquarium is able to pioneer critical whale shark programs, including: population surveys, visual and satellite tag programs, dietary evaluations, environmental impacts and field research. Your adoption aids our efforts to better understand the whale sharks in our care and to share critical information on caring for the species at large.

With your plush adoption you are helping Georgia Aquarium remain a pioneer in aquatic research. As animals are living creatures, our whale sharks will remain at Georgia Aquarium under the expert care of our biologists and no ownership rights are conferred through your adoption of a whale shark plush.

For questions please contact Stephanie Brown at 404-581-4136 or sbrown@georgiaaquarium.org 

To purchase your adoption by mail, please fill out this form and mail with a check (payable to Georgia Aquarium) to:
Georgia Aquarium, Whale Shark Adoptions
225 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313