New fresh water exhibit to open at Georgia Aquarium
American alligators to be introduced into River Scout Gallery

ATLANTA (Jan. 17, 2008) – Georgia Aquarium introduced a new fresh water exhibit featuring American alligators in the River Scout gallery on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. The seven alligators average 3-3.5 feet in length. The exhibit imitates the natural environment of a Georgia swamp and will teem different wildlife from Georgia’s grasslands, wetlands and lakes. The exhibit will give guests the opportunity to experience these intriguing animals that reside in the dark, still water. 

   By exhibiting American alligators, the Aquarium will have an opportunity to educate guests about conservation and endangered species. The American alligator was first listed as an endangered species in 1967 due to loss of habitat and market hunting. A combined effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies in the South, and the creation of large, commercial alligator farms saved these unique animals. In 1987, the Fish and Wildlife Service pronounced the American alligator fully recovered and consequently removed the animal from the list of endangered species. 

   The American alligator is one of the many new animals at the Georgia Aquarium. Leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, giant guitarfish and several smaller sharks have all recently been added to the Aquarium, creating a new experience for all visitors.