UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN ... - Bizjournals

Case 1:13-cv-03241-AT Document 1 Filed 09/30/13 Page 19 of 6439. The education programs developed and presented at GeorgiaAquarium have received letters of commendation from the University of Georgia,Georgia State University, Georgia Department of Education, Cobb County SchoolDistrict, Clayton County Public Schools, The Lovett School, Marietta CitySchools, Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Fulton County Board ofEducation, and numerous teachers who have brought their students to GeorgiaAquarium. At the October 12, 2012 hearing on the permit application conductedby NMFS, additional testimony commending the Aquarium’s educationalprograms was received from a middle school science teacher, university professor,and elementary school principal.40. Through conservation and education programs presented at theGeorgia Aquarium, visitors interact and experience marine mammals and belugasin a way that teaches them about the ocean environment and motivates themtoward conservation actions. The import of 18 beluga whales will further theAquarium’s educational mission by promoting educational opportunities that teachpeople about beluga whales, as well as other marine animals.41. The import of the 18 beluga whales will also allow for the existenceof a self-sustaining beluga whale population in human care and, therefore, thecontinuation and appropriate expansion of beluga whale education programs.19