Flint RiverQuarium facts for kids
| Date opened | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Location | Albany, Georgia |
| Land area | 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m2) indoors and 19,000 sq ft (1,800 m2) outdoors |
| Coordinates | 31°34′44″N 84°08′57″W / 31.57891°N 84.149255°W |
| No. of species | >100 |
| Volume of largest tank | 175,000-US-gallon (660,000 L) |
The Flint RiverQuarium is a cool aquarium that opened in 2004. It's located right next to the Flint River in Albany, Georgia, United States. This aquarium is about 54,000 square feet, which is a lot of space to explore!
The main idea of the RiverQuarium is to show you the amazing journey of the Flint River. It also teaches you about the different natural environments, called ecosystems, found in the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint River areas.
Discover the RiverQuarium's Cool Features
The Flint RiverQuarium has many exciting areas. You can see both freshwater and saltwater river ecosystems. These exhibits show you the unique plants and animals from Southwest Georgia and other parts of the world.
Explore the Blue Hole Spring
The Blue Hole Spring is a huge outdoor tank. It holds about 175,000 gallons of water and is 22 feet deep! This tank is special because it's filled by a natural spring from underground. Here, you can see many different kinds of life that live in the Flint River.
Journey Through the Flint River Gallery
The Flint River Gallery is home to both freshwater and saltwater fish. It even has a live fish hatchery where baby fish are raised. In this exhibit, you can follow the entire 350-mile journey of the Flint River. You'll see how it flows all the way to the ocean.
Uncover Secrets in Discovery Caverns
In Discovery Caverns, you'll find fun, interactive displays. There's also a cave exhibit that shows you creatures that live underground in dark places. It's a great way to learn about hidden worlds.
Travel the World of Water
The World of Water exhibit takes you on a trip around the globe. It shows you other rivers from different countries. You'll learn how these rivers are similar to the Flint River and what challenges they face.
Meet the Alligators at Spring Run Creek
Spring Run Creek is where the aquarium's alligators live. You can watch these amazing reptiles in their habitat.
Soar with Birds in Cypress Pond Aviary
The Cypress Pond Aviary is a tall enclosure, about 35 feet high. It's filled with birds that naturally live in the Flint River basin. You might also see some migratory birds that pass through the area. The RiverQuarium works to bring in native birds that can't be released into the wild.
Experience New Adventures at the Adventure Center
The Adventure Center is a separate building across the plaza. It's designed to host special traveling exhibits. This means there's always something new and exciting to see at the aquarium!
The RiverQuarium's Unique Design
The Flint RiverQuarium was designed by a famous architect named Antoine Predock. He finished the building in 2004. Predock was inspired by the nature of Southwest Georgia when he created the aquarium. He wanted the building to reflect the area's biology, geology, and water systems.
The RiverQuarium is part of a bigger plan to connect downtown Albany with the Flint River. The building itself is designed to look like the complex underground caves and streams found in the area. It even won an award from the American Institute of Architects in 2005 for its amazing design.
