Stories of Survival: Georgia Aquarium’s Rescued Residents

At Georgia Aquarium, every animal has a story, but some have overcome incredible odds to find their forever home with us. From sea turtles to sea lions, these animals have been given a second chance thanks to dedicated rescue efforts and support from organizations like ours. Here are some of their remarkable stories:

Tank the Sea Turtle

Tank’s journey began in 1990 when he was rescued after suffering a shark bite to his left rear flipper. Initially rehabilitated at the New York Aquarium, Tank spent time at several zoological facilities, including Disney’s The Seas at Epcot. He first arrived at Georgia Aquarium in 2010 before moving to Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida in 2014. In 2015, he returned to Georgia Aquarium, where he now resides in our Ocean Voyager exhibit. At over five feet long and weighing more than 450 pounds, Tank is a true survivor and ambassador for sea turtle conservation.

Nandi the Manta Ray

In 2007, Nandi was accidentally caught in a shark net off the coast of Durban, South Africa. She spent a year rehabilitating at uShaka Marine World, but due to her size and care needs, officials sought a permanent home for her. Georgia Aquarium stepped in, arranging a remarkable 26-hour, 9,000-mile journey via Jumbo Jet to bring her to Atlanta. Just days after her arrival, she was thriving in her new environment. Manta rays are gentle, endangered giants, and Nandi helps raise awareness about their conservation needs.

Southern Sea Otters: Brighton, Cruz, Bixby, Mara, and Gibson

Each of these rescued sea otters was orphaned at a young age and deemed non-releasable by wildlife officials. Brighton, found in 2010, had medical issues from consuming non-typical food items. Cruz and Bixby, rescued separately the same year, lost their mothers to great white shark attacks. After receiving care at Monterey Bay Aquarium, all three arrived at Georgia Aquarium. They now serve as key figures in educating guests about the importance of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. 

Mara and Gibson, the two newest members of the Aquarium’s sea otter family, also have inspiring stories. Mara was rescued in 2022 after being found stranded and alone as a pup. Wildlife experts determined she lacked the survival skills to be released back into the wild. Gibson, rescued as an infant in 2023, was also orphaned and needed round-the-clock care before being deemed non-releasable. Both otters have since found a safe and loving home at Georgia Aquarium, where they continue to receive expert care and help educate the public about conservation efforts for this threatened species.

California Sea Lions: Rescued and Rehabilitated

Several of Georgia Aquarium’s sea lions have unique and heartwarming rescue stories:

• Diego stranded three separate times in California before being deemed unreleaseable after he was found malnourished and hiding underneath a police car. Diego, now weighing up to 700lbs at his heaviest, has served as larger than life ambassador for his species since first coming to Georgia Aquarium in 2005. 
• Scout, Beck, Jupiter, and Neptune each stranded multiple times due to malnutrition and maternal separation, making them unfit for release. They arrived at Georgia Aquarium between August and September 2015 after receiving temporary care at various marine rescue centers. Upon his arrival to the Aquarium, Neptune underwent various examinations, where x-ray results showed he had two bullet fragments in his head. 
• Hunter stranded an astonishing four times, once even voluntarily jumping into a rescue boat! After suffering from boat propeller wounds and eye issues, he came to Georgia Aquarium in 2017, where he underwent surgery and continues to receive expert care.
• Alex, found in 2014 with severe eye damage, was deemed non-releasable. After arriving at Georgia Aquarium in 2018, he underwent surgery to remove his left eye but continues to thrive in his new home.

Confiscated Corals & Motoro Rays

Since 2005, Georgia Aquarium has provided sanctuary for over 1,000 animals confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), including nearly 600 corals. These corals, brought into the country illegally, cannot be returned to the ocean due to genetic and ecological concerns. Georgia Aquarium has provided a forever home to nearly 300 of them, ensuring their survival and contributing to coral conservation efforts. Additionally, motoro rays and other animals have found refuge here after being intercepted in the illegal wildlife trade.

A Second Chance at Life

Each of these animals represents the incredible work done by rescue organizations, aquariums, and conservationists worldwide. At Georgia Aquarium, we are honored to provide a permanent, caring home for these rescued animals while using their stories to inspire action in marine conservation. Their journeys remind us of the impact we can have in protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.

Want to learn more about our efforts? Visit our website for more details on how you can support marine life conservation.