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Why Animal Encounters Matter

Creating Deep Connections Between Human and Marine Life

Georgia Aquarium offers several exciting experiences that educate, engage and create memorable connections between people and animals. Our animal encounters are up-close, multi-sensory experiences that allow guests to enjoy the thrill and awe of ocean-dwelling creatures first hand.

The primary goal of our encounter programs is conservation education. Participants in hands-on encounters not only create memories that last a lifetime, but research indicates that these types of programs are also more likely to increase their interest in conservation-related knowledge and change their attitudes and behaviors long after the encounter is over.

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Animal Encounter FAQs

  • Are encounters safe for the animals?

    Animal well-being is always of utmost priority at Georgia Aquarium. Encounters are not only exhilarating for people who participate but are positively enriching for the animals as well – an assertion backed up by science. A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Animal Welfare analyzed the effects of a dolphin encounter program and found it to be positive, valuable enrichment for the animals.

  • How old do you have to be to participate in an animal encounter?

    Guests ages 7 and up have the option to participate in our Penguin Encounter, Sea Otter Encounter, or Dolphin Encounter. All Animal Encounter participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult, and there is a maximum of 3 children under 16 years of age per paying adult.

  • Do I need to sign a waiver to participate?

    All guests must sign the program liability waiver and Animal Encounter program guidelines prior to participating. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and Animal Encounter program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court-appointed legal guardian.

  • Who leads the animal encounters?

    Animal encounters are staffed by knowledgeable Georgia Aquarium animal trainers who work with the animals daily and who deeply understand the individual animals. They ensure the animals’ well-being while participants experience the joy and wonder of interacting with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

Support Georgia Aquarium

If you want to support our efforts to educate visitors about the importance of sea life conservation in lasting, meaningful ways, donate to the Georgia Aquarium Annual Fund.

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