Home News 

Story

Georgia Aquarium Expanding, Adding Dolphin Show

Posted: 9:52 am EDT May 6, 2008Updated: 12:38 pm EDT May 6, 2008

The world's largest aquarium is getting even bigger.

Georgia Aquarium officials announced Tuesday a $110 million expansion that includes adding a dolphin exhibit. The addition will add another 1.3 million gallons of water to the aquarium, which will offer dolphin shows.

The dolphins will come from Marineland in Florida.

  • SLIDESHOW: Your Georgia Aquarium Pictures
  • In return, Georgia Aquarium officials will make a $1.5 million contribution to Marineland, which is building a marine animal rescue and research center near St. Augustine, Florida.

    "I think it's a terrific idea. People are fascinated by dolphins all over the world and living in Florida I've had a chance to see them and swim with them," said aquarium visitor Alan Smiley.

    "This facility will have the ability to have many, many more. Ten or 12 I think would be a great number. But we're going to increase the population and we're going to breed the dolphins here if we can," said Georgia Aquarium Founder Bernie Marcus.

    The aquarium will break ground on the dolphin exhibit this summer. Officials expect it to open by the end of 2010.

    More Headlines

    2 Investigates

    Scientists at the Georgia Aquarium have disturbing new research ... and what they're finding in ocean creatures could have massive implications for Georgians. Channel 2 Action News reporter Linda Stouffer got a close up look. Watch Video ››
    Pt. 2 Georgia Aquarium Researchers Conduct Seafood Testing
    DOLPHIN RESEARCH WEB EXTRAS: marineland.net | RAW VIDEO: Swimming With Dolphins | Fish Consumption Guidelines | Seafood Advisory Areas


    A local police major says he's been removed from hiring and recruitment ... a result of sexual harassment allegations by two women. Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne has the latest. Watch Video ››


    Federal law forbids paying welfare benefits to immigrants -- even legal immigrants. But a government investigation found that states all over the country are ignoring an important part of that law. When Channel 2 Action News reporter Richard Belcher asked Georgia's Department of Human Services what it was doing, the answer was: We don't know.

    A Channel 2 investigation is exposing critical 911 delays. Dozens of Channel 2 viewers called and e-mailed us and said they were put on hold during emergencies. Investigative reporter Jodie Fleischer spent months requesting and digging through records. While the city of Atlanta still hasn't provived all of what we asked for, Fleischer has uncovered what appears to be a 911 emergency.

    Channel 2 Investigates uncovers government waste , fraud and abuse. Full Story ››