A Look into Georgia Aquarium’s Future, While Celebrating the Past 20 Years.

River Scout Gallery Renovations

In 2023, Georgia Aquarium opened a new education classroom—marking the first milestone in a multi-phase enhancement of Peterson Preserve made possible through our partnership with Smurfit WestRock. Now, we’re moving into phase two of this transformative project, bringing significant upgrades to both guest experiences and animal habitats.

Phase Two enhancements will include:

A brand-new Canopy Walk experience
Touch-screen animal ID stations and interactive elements throughout Peterson Preserve
A redesigned Asian Small-Clawed Otter habitat
Revitalized theming and signage across the lower and upper River Scout galleries
Updated lighting fixtures to support animal wellness and enhance guest safety

Why are we renovating?

These renovations are designed to elevate both animal care and guest engagement throughout our River Scout gallery. The expanded Asian Small-Clawed Otter habitat will offer increased space and greater environmental complexity, supporting the health and natural behaviors of our otters. Guests will also benefit from more interactive and memorable touchpoints, creating opportunities for deeper connections with the animals and ecosystems featured in the gallery.

Beyond guest enjoyment, these enhancements strengthen our educational impact—providing children, families, and school groups with richer learning experiences rooted in conservation and discovery. The improvements also highlight the meaningful support of partners like Smurfit WestRock and Southern Company, whose collaboration helps bring these upgrades to life. Together, these efforts will create a more immersive, engaging environment for visitors of all ages.

Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. Portions of the River Scout gallery will undergo phased closures during this time to ensure the safety of both guests and animals.

Renderings

Georgia Aquarium and Foxhall Resort Make Plans for an Education and Conservation Facility in Douglas County

As Georgia Aquarium approaches its 20th anniversary, it’s making a bold commitment to the future of education, conservation research and animal care. The Aquarium is partnering with the Merrill Trust on the acquisition of approximately 50 acres at Foxhall Resort in Douglas County. It is the proposed site of a future education and conservation campus that would expand opportunities for students and communities outside of Atlanta.

The Aquarium is working on plans to develop a purpose-built campus that would host nature-based programming for schools and community groups, expand hands-on conservation science initiatives, such as work rescuing and protecting corals, manatees, sea turtles and other species, and leaning into opportunities to educate about and protect Georgia’s native wildlife and freshwater habitats.

“Our goal is to deepen opportunities for science learning and broaden the Aquarium’s positive impact across the state. We can think of no better place, or partner, than the Merrill family, whose more than 1,000 acres of land at Foxhall Resort includes forests and lakes, alongside the Chattahoochee River,” said Travis Burke, President and CEO of Georgia Aquarium.

“This partnership with Georgia Aquarium represents a shared vision to create a meaningful, lasting impact on education and conservation in Georgia,” said Harrison Merrill Jr., president of the Merrill Trust, “Foxhall Resort’s expansive grounds and natural resources provide the perfect backdrop for a campus that will inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while offering hands-on learning experiences in a breathtaking setting.”

Plans for the campus are currently in development. Additional details will be shared as they become available.