Open since 2004, the Flint Riverquarium rises from Albany, Georgia’s riverfront, belying the fact that a good part of the aquarium is actually built into the ground, surrounding a naturally occurring “blue hole” where water springs up from an underground aquifer.
The aquarium’s focus is on freshwater animals that live in the open-air Blue Hole and the rivers of Georgia. Visitors will be treated with views of over 100 species of fish and other animals including: American Alligators, Long-Nosed gars, and huge Sturgeon and Catfish. A visitor favorite is the giant alligator snapping turtle that moves so rarely that algae readily collects on its back. The aquarium, however, is much more than the 175,000 galloon Blue Hole.
Discovery Caverns
The Riverquarium’s Kid’s Discovery Cave is a treat for people of all ages. Visitors can crawl up and down slide “tunnels” and enter small “caves” where they view fishtanks from a different perspective or just look out and wave at passersby’s. Be forewarned, the tunnels are dark and hard on the knees.
One interactive section of the aquarium test people’s knowledge of local weather trivia and can have visitors vie against each other for the high score. Another interactive area combines an arcade-like game with water conservation tips. Nearby, people can experiment first-hand to determine the effect of run off on sand and get a sense for how the twists and bends of rivers form.
World of Water
This Riverquarium exhibit show what famous bodies of water around the world look like:
The “Blue Danube” is no longer so blue and plentiful with fish, but heavily polluted
Parts of the Colorado “River” are more likely to have rocks and lizards than fish and water because of consistent drought condition and overutilization of water
Popped-eyed mudskipper fish spend time in the water and out along the Ganges River
Flint River Gallery
This section of the aquarium includes freshwater and saltwater tanks, turtles, snakes, and outdoor view of the Flint River. Also in display are the types of fish hatcheries that are found in virtually all aquariums but are rarely seen so close up by visitors.
Adventure Center
This area houses temporary exhibits that highlight a particular type of fish or aquatic habitat.
Imagination Theater
A variety of films play in the aquarium’s special theater which boosts a screen that is 3 stories tall by 4 stories wide.
Aviary
An outdoor aviary is expected to open on the Riverquarium grounds in October 2008.
Other Features and Activities
The aquarium offers a gift store, facilities rental, summer camps, sleepovers, birthday party packages, volunteer opportunities, and even special outdoor trips.
Admissions
The Riverquarium offers a variety of admission packages that include the cost of the Aquarium alone, the theater alone, or both. Discounts are available for seniors, military and children ages 4-12. Children under age 3 are free.
The aquarium also offers several annual membership packages.
Hours:
The Aquarium is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Getting There:
The FlintRiverquarium is located at the intersection of Pine and Front Street in downtown Albany, in Southern Georgia. There is plenty of free parking on both sides of the aquarium.
While You’re There
Visitors to the Aquarium should also give themselves time to explore Albany’s River Front. There is a pathway, large playground, and sprinkle park.
The Flint RiverQuarium is a lovely place that will make people appreciate the biodiversity of southern Georgia’s lakes, rivers, and deltas.
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