Imagine flying a whale shark across the Pacific Ocean, carefully transporting one of the largest fish on Earth to a city hundreds of miles from the sea. It sounds almost impossible, but it's just the beginning of the story behind Georgia Aquarium.

Deep in the heart of Atlanta, millions of gallons of seawater support an extraordinary world of whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and other marine life. But what happens behind the glass may be even more fascinating than what visitors see.

In this episode of Saltwater Stories, we explore the incredible engineering that makes Georgia Aquarium possible, the science helping researchers better understand some of the ocean's most mysterious animals, and the remarkable stories of rescued marine life given a second chance.

We'll also uncover how aquarium research connects to conservation efforts thousands of miles away, including a project working to bring endangered zebra sharks back to the reefs of Indonesia. Along the way, we'll explore some of the difficult questions surrounding the care and conservation of marine animals.

From microscopic bacteria keeping millions of gallons of water healthy to scientists working to protect wildlife in the open ocean, this is a story about ingenuity, discovery, responsibility, and our changing relationship with the sea.

Because sometimes, protecting the ocean begins in a place you might never expect.

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