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Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences

Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 with a dream of bringing people closer to the magic of our ocean. What we didn’t expect was how deeply our guests would shape our story in return. As we celebrate 20 years, we’re reminded that our story is truly your story. 

For the past twenty years, Georgia Aquarium has been more than a place to see the wonders of the ocean—it’s been a place where memories are made, families come together, and inspiration comes to life. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re sharing some of the stories that have shaped us: every visit, every smile, every moment of awe has played a part in defining who we are today. This is a celebration of you and the memories you’ve shared with us.

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 8

✈️ All the Way From Sydney, Australia! 

“My favourite memory was coming all the way from Sydney, Australia, to go swimming with the whale sharks. I really enjoyed swimming with them and all of the other amazing creatures. When I first saw the whale sharks, I was in awe, I loved every moment, and I would come back in a heartbeat to do it again.” – Isabella

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 6
💍 A Love as Deep as the Ocean  

“I proposed to my wife in front of Ocean Voyager in 2019! We then went back in 2023 to celebrate our third wedding anniversary.” – Jace 

 

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 9📸 #1 On The Bucket List  

“Whale sharks are my favorite, and visiting the aquarium has been number 1 on my bucket list since before I can remember! I spent my 31st birthday here with my family, and it was the most incredible experience of my life. Before I walked into Ocean Voyager, I was flooded with so many emotions and couldn’t believe I was about to see an actual whale shark. We spent the entire day there from open to close. My mom also surprised me with the Beyond the Seas tour, where we were able to catch the whale sharks feeding. I was in tears the entire time and most of the day! I live in Florida and have been planning my trip back and watching the live feed almost every day as well! I know it’s not that great of a story, but it just was such a meaningful adventure that I will always cherish and never forget!” – Morgan

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 2
🐠 Fish And Forever Friends  

“I met my online best friend (now irl bff of 6 years) back in 2019 at the aquarium. It was our first time ever meeting, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.” – Maddie 

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 11

🤿 Memories That Inspire  

“We visited from Illinois this summer, and my boys were in awe! All the staff were so kind and knowledgeable – they stopped and talked to my kids about the tanks, fish, and divers! It was amazing. Our visit sparked a love of marine life and oceans. We frequently check out books at the library about sea animals and ocean life.” – Taylor

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 10

 

🥇 From First Trip to First Place  

“My visit to the Georgia Aquarium was one of the best memories I could ever ask for. I am a zoo and conservation science major in Ohio, specializing in marine conservation. I had been asking for a long time to go to Georgia and experience the whale sharks when my dad surprised me with a father-daughter trip. Getting to experience not only all the incredible wonders of the ocean, but also being up close to a whale shark, was unforgettable. Watching the target training with the sharks reminded me of my education and research. To top it off, I got to run the annual 5k and won first female!” – Sarah

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences
🌎 Favorite Place on Earth  

“Meeting the sea lions was honestly one of the best days of my life! Best birthday gift ever! Georgia Aquarium is hands down my favorite place on planet Earth!” – Briana

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 4
🐋 An Adventure as Big as a Whale Shark

“I have felt a connection to whale sharks ever since I was little. Being from Indiana, I have never had the opportunity to see a whale shark, and I had to experience their beauty through pictures and videos on social media. In March, I visited the Georgia Aquarium with my mom, and we had the most amazing, eye-opening experience. We even went two days in a row; we knew one day would not have been enough! The Georgia Aquarium is so much more than just whale sharks and manta rays. All of the other unique animals and fish that call the Georgia Aquarium home were amazing to spectate. I considered myself to be a whale shark know-it-all and still learned so much from the amazing staff and postage around the enclosures. Thank you, Georgia Aquarium, for all you do for the beautiful creatures here on Earth!” – Lila

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 5
🪸 Where Coral Sparked a Calling 

“During my visit to the Georgia Aquarium last summer, I had a transformative experience. At that time, I was still undecided about my college major, but my passion for ocean-related topics was clear. As I captured photos of the breathtaking corals and fish, I found myself truly inspired. This visit has sparked my interest in studying coral reefs and exploring ways to improve their environment.” – Laila 

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 7
🫶 A Splash of ‘I Do’ 

“My favourite memory at Georgia Aquarium is my wedding day! The Aquarium was closed due to a water main bursting (1 June 2024), and we thought our elopement would be cancelled. The Aquarium let us in despite it being closed. The staff made it the most amazing day.” – Jordan 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 3
🐾 A Paw-sitive Experience

“I am a student at the University of Georgia and a volunteer with the Guide Dog Foundation, an organization that trains and places guide dogs around the country through the help of volunteers. Through Dawgs raising Dogs, I have had the opportunity to work with so many pups in training, including Bonnie. It’s a bit of a tradition to take the dogs to the Georgia Aquarium before they head up to New York for their formal training, and this summer I accompanied Bonnie, along with her raiser Eva Grace, on her trip to see the fishes! During our visit, Bonnie had the most incredible encounter with a sea lion, and they became fast friends. It was so incredible to get to see her interact with the pinniped, and to show her all the amazing things the Aquarium has to offer.” – Lily 

 

Twenty Years Of Guest Experiences 1💙 A Family Tradition 

“Our story with Georgia Aquarium began back in early 2022. My fiancé (now husband) and I were visiting Georgia to decide if we wanted to make this beautiful state our new home. The very first place we visited was Georgia Aquarium, and what an unforgettable experience it was! We were instantly in awe of the exhibits, the incredible animals, and the joy that filled the space. That visit sealed the deal for us. Georgia was where we wanted to be.

Fast forward a few years, and here we are: married, settled in Georgia, and parents to a wonderful one-year-old who already shares our love for the Aquarium. We became members, and visiting has become one of our favorite family traditions. Our son’s face lights up every time he sees the amazing exhibits, especially the sharks! It’s such a magical experience watching him discover the underwater world for the first time. Every visit brings something new, whether it’s sharing laughs, pointing out our favorite creatures, or watching family and friends experience the wonder for themselves when they come to visit. Georgia Aquarium has become more than just a destination for us; it’s been part of our journey, our memories, and our family’s story. Thank you, Georgia Aquarium, for the countless smiles, conversations, and unforgettable moments you’ve given us. Here’s to 20 incredible years of inspiring wonder, and to many more ahead! Happy 20th Anniversary!”  – The Johnson Family 

The stories shared here are just a glimpse into the magic that has unfolded inside our walls over the past twenty years. Each one is a gift that inspires us to dream even bigger for the future. Thank you for sharing your moments, your milestones, and your memories with us. Georgia Aquarium wouldn’t be what it is without you.

As we look ahead to the next chapter, we carry each of these stories with us. They remind us why we do what we do, and who we do it for. Thank you for twenty years of wonder, connection, and shared moments beneath the waves. Here’s to celebrating twenty years—and to all the stories still to come.

Remembering Brian L. Davis., Ph.D.

Brian L. Davis, Ph.D., was the president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Brian was a leader, friend, and mentor and an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the educational and zoological fields. He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve together. He was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating caring and diverse spaces – whether in the classroom or at the Western hemisphere’s largest aquarium. Brian was a giant in leadership and touched so many lives through his compassion and infectious personality. We are all better for having known Brian.

Brian was one of the first employees at Georgia Aquarium in 2003 at its founding. He was integral in the planning of the Aquarium’s 2005 opening in his role as director of education, later serving as vice president of education and then executive vice president of operations.

Prior to becoming president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium in 2020, Brian served as president and CEO at Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT where he oversaw the enhancement of that aquarium’s footprint.

A fierce advocate for public education and educational opportunity, Brian was a teacher and administrator in the Cobb County school system in Georgia and served as adjunct professor at the College of Education at Georgia State University and Mercer University. He also helped develop education programs at New York Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.

During his impressive tenure at Georgia Aquarium, Brian championed the planning and opening of one of the largest shark galleries in the world and one of Georgia Aquarium’s largest expansions to date: Sharks! Predators of the Deep in late 2020. Not only was Brian at the helm during the construction of the one-million-gallon shark expansion, but he also took the reins of CEO at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world faced uncertainty, Brian led with tenacity and stability – even as the Aquarium closed its doors for three months, and reopened with precautions to keep staff, guests, and animals safe.

Under Brian’s leadership, Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium to be designated a Certified Autism Center, equipped with facilities and options for those with sensory sensitivities, and to be designated as a Center for Species Survival serving as a regional hub for species conservation. In 2024, Georgia Aquarium unveiled a new dolphin presentation and opened a new exhibit, Explorers Cove, under Brian’s tutelage.

One of the last recognitions awarded to Georgia Aquarium under Brian’s leadership was being named a Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and being awarded the DEI Award. Both honors came from staff feedback and the efforts put forth by leadership to remedy pain points and champion successes.

Brian served as chair of Central Atlanta Progress and sat on the boards of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He was also on the Georgia Tourism Board, of which he was appointed by Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp. Brian also served on the boards of Centennial Place Elementary School in Atlanta, Open Door Shelter, and NorwalkACTS.

Brian was the first Black CEO of an aquarium when he took the role at Maritime Aquarium and was the first Black chairman of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums board when he sat as its chair from 2021-2022. His family was immensely important to him, and he was unwavering in his commitment to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

A native of New Jersey, Brian graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, later earning his Master of Education and his Ph.D. in secondary science education at Georgia State University.

Brian’s passion for the ocean began at a young age during family vacations on the Jersey shore. A lifelong learner and educator, we are honoring Brian’s love for the ocean, science, and learning by providing opportunity to future generations.

As we remember him and continue his dedication to education access, Georgia Aquarium is establishing The Dr. Brian L. Davis Marine Biology, Conservation, and Education Scholarship Fund.

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