Greatest Need

When two beluga whales were trapped in war-torn Ukraine, Georgia Aquarium joined an international team to ensure their survival. The whales traveled from Kharkiv to Odessa, then were flown to safety in Valencia, Spain — an unprecedented and delicate mission that required global coordination, specialized care, and rapid response.

Each winter, hundreds of juvenile sea turtles strand along the northeastern U.S. coast after sudden drops in water temperature. Without immediate intervention, many would not survive. Georgia Aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation team provides emergency triage, medical treatment, and long-term recovery — giving these fragile animals a second chance at life in the ocean.

When an 18-year-old tufted puffin named Von Zipper developed cataracts in both eyes, he became isolated and had difficulty navigating his habitat. Georgia Aquarium’s Animal Health team partnered with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine to perform cataract-removal surgery. Today, he’s exploring confidently again, interacting with his colony, and may even find a mate thanks to his restored sight.