Georgia Aquarium has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top Workplaces. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“We are excited to be selected as an AJC Top Workplace of 2024; the honor is even more rewarding knowing the recognition is based on employee feedback,” said Dr. Jamie Wilson, Chief People Officer at Georgia Aquarium. “Not only is this a testament to the leadership of Dr. Brian Davis, but also the passion and hard work of our team members who have been committed to creating a workplace that fosters respect and innovation. The experiences we offer at the Aquarium are made extraordinary by our staff and volunteers.”

In addition to being named a Top Workplace of 2024, the Aquarium was awarded the DEI Award for its achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees.

Georgia Aquarium has established itself as a leader in not-for-profit research, education, and conservation. With nearly 500 employees and 800 volunteers, Georgia Aquarium anchors the downtown attraction district and since its inception, has revitalized the downtown business community.

It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis.

Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields. Furthermore, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating a caring and diverse space at the Aquarium.

He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place. He was one of the first employees at the Aquarium prior to opening in 2005 and led us through years of innovation and growth. Brian’s indelible imprint made all those he knew better – we are better because of Brian.

As we navigate this heartbreaking news, our priority lies with caring for staff. We may have limited operations over the coming days to allow our staff time to grieve.

“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” said Steve Koonin, Chairman of the board of Georgia Aquarium.

Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all those that he touched throughout his life.

While this has shaken us, Brian would have wanted us to find a path forward, and the board of directors have appointed executive vice president Travis Burke as interim CEO.

The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game is expanding to a national level! After debuting at the Seattle Aquarium, the experience is hitting the road in June, and making multiple stops across the U.S. throughout the year.

Each aquarium on the tour will host themed activities and offer guests the chance to explore the wonders of aquatic life with an Animal Crossing: New Horizons twist. By taking the tour national, even more fans will have a chance to interact with some of their favorite Animal Crossing characters while learning more about the real-world animal kingdom.

Local exhibits will include:

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons photo opportunity, featuring an aquarium themed background with characters from the game.
• Themed signage throughout the aquarium will feature creature descriptions presented by Blathers with information directly from the game.
• Standees of familiar characters from the game throughout the aquarium near a wide variety of habitats.
• My Nintendo kiosks where guests can check in to receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points* redeemable on my.nintendo.com for exclusive digital and physical rewards.
• Plus, guests may even have the opportunity to meet-and-greet Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game on select days and stops!

Planned aquariums for this partnership include:

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Jun. 14 to Aug. 11)
• Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana (Jun. 21 to Sep. 14)
• Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia (Aug. 1 to Sep. 26)
• Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon (Aug. 26 to Oct. 20)
• New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts (Sept. 21 to Dec. 14)
• SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium in Tempe, Arizona (Oct. 4 to Nov. 17)
• Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee (Dec. 21 to Feb. 28)

Tickets for the experience are included with the cost of general admission and can be purchased from each aquarium directly. Excited and want to learn more? Head over to Nintendo.com for additional information: https://www.nintendo.com/us/events/play-events/animal-crossing-aquarium-tour/

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Nintendo eShop and through retailers.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at https://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.

*A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply (https://accounts.nintendo.com/term_point).