ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Georgia Aquarium wants to bring 18 Beluga Whales to the United States.

The Aquarium was denied their request to bring the whales here more than two years ago. On Wednesday, aquarium officials appeal that decision before a federal judge.

When they first asked to bring the mammals here, it started a firestorm of controversy from animal rights advocates.

The whales were collected at a research facility in Russia in 2006, 2010, and 2011.

There has been strong opposition to bringing the Belugas to the US from environmentalists who think the whales should stay put. But the aquarium argues it would do more good to have them here, where they say they can teach people to care about wildlife and serve as ambassadors.

This is a very long running fight between the two groups.

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has brought back its Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest for 2014.

This year's theme is Plug into Nature, emphasizing the importance of experiencing wildlife and plants firsthand.

All Georgia students in grades kindergarten through 5 are invited to enter the contest. The top 12 winners' posters will be displayed on the DNR's Flickr site and at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry during the first two weeks in May.

Contest entries are due Apr. 16. Three winners will be picked in four categories (kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grade 5).

Visit georgiawildlife.com for more information about the contest.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Often called the quintessential city park, Piedmont Park, has something for everyone. Situated in the middle of the city, this park offers fishing, playgrounds, swimming, tennis, skating and even movie viewings.

Atlanta’s “Common Ground” since 1904, the park is the destination for “ITP” residents or city dwellers, every weekend. The main green or The Meadow is the main area for congregation; dogs and their owners or groups of friends playing ball games, usually, use this area for their activities.

Grilling isn’t allowed in the park; however, there are designated areas for people who want to use them. Park goers can fish in Clara Meer, which was created for the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition; the lake is filled with many of the local common species. The park features basketball courts and tennis courts, also.