Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 695: Georgia Aquarium; commend

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 5, 2026 · Passed

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Senate Resolution 695

By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Echols of the 49th, Orrock of the 36th, Walker III of the 20th, Parent of the 44th and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending the Georgia Aquarium on its 20th Anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as a philanthropic gift to the City of Atlanta, made possible through the generosity and vision of the late Bernie Marcus, and has since become one of Georgia's most beloved cultural institutions, welcoming millions of guests and inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and a lasting appreciation for the ocean; and

WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium stands as one of the state of Georgia's most significant tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the nation and the world, and serving as a catalyst for economic development, revitalization, and sustained growth in downtown Atlanta; and

WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium's transformative experiences have reimagined what an aquarium can be, as awe-inspiring habitats and immersive galleries are paired with science-based storytelling so families, students, and visitors of all ages connect deeply with aquatic life and leave with a renewed sense of wonder; and

WHEREAS, its profound community impact reaches downtown Atlanta and classrooms across the state, as accessible programs and field experiences strengthen tourism, support local businesses, and expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for Georgia's students; and

WHEREAS, as an animal well-being champion, the aquarium advances best practices through collaborative research and responds to urgent rescues, demonstrating expertise that saves animals and informs conservation worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium strives to make every experience welcoming and accessible and is designated as a Certified Autism Center and recognized as KultureCity's Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the aquarium also runs the Veterans Immersion Program-therapeutic dives for wounded and recovering veterans-now extended to children from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and patients from Shepherd Center, creating restorative, unforgettable connections with marine life; and

WHEREAS, as research and conservation experts, the aquarium and its partners conduct and apply cutting-edge science to advance knowledge of threatened species, restore critical habitats, and turn evidence into action for healthier oceans and stronger ecosystems.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body congratulate the Georgia Aquarium on the occasion of its 20th anniversary and commend its enduring leadership in education, animal care, inclusion, and conservation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Aquarium.