The whale shark Taroko died on August 22, 2025, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. A look back at his history, health, and significance.
Whale shark Taroko has died at the Georgia Aquarium
Taroko was a male whale shark who had lived at the Georgia Aquarium since 2007. In the vast tank of the “Ocean Voyager” area, he attracted millions of visitors over nearly two decades. His name was a tribute to the famous Taroko National Park in Taiwan. As the largest fish in the world, he fascinated people from all over the globe and was regarded as an ambassador for his species.
Health problems and death
In August 2025, the animal care team noticed changes in Taroko’s behavior and appetite. Despite intensive medical treatment, his condition continued to deteriorate. On August 20, 2025, the veterinarians decided to euthanize him to prevent further suffering. A subsequent examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death.
Origin and arrival in Atlanta
In 2007, Taroko was brought to the Georgia Aquarium as a juvenile from Taiwan. He had previously been rescued from a fish market, where he would otherwise have been killed. Together with his fellow whale shark Yushan, he was flown to Atlanta. The arrival of these whale sharks made the Georgia Aquarium the first aquarium outside Asia to house multiple whale sharks.
Significance and legacy
For many years, Taroko was a crowd favorite. As an ambassador for his species, he helped raise awareness about the protection of oceans and whale sharks. He also provided valuable insights into the health and biology of this fascinating species. With his death, Yushan remains the only whale shark at the aquarium, receiving continued special care from the team.
