This Aquarium Allows Its Penguins To Take A “Field Trip” After It Closes
To combat the spread of COVID-19, several establishments throughout the world are barring their doors to visitors. The Chicago-based Shedd Aquarium is no exception. To safeguard the community, the aquarium, which attracts roughly 2 million visitors each year, has been closed for two weeks. The aquarium, on the other hand, is far from empty, since human visitors have just been replaced with… penguins. These water birds were probably discharged for the first time to stretch their legs and investigate the premises.
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago recently had to lock its doors to guests, but they have still entertained thanks to social media.

Many places that are closed to visitors are using social media to try to interact with people. Shedd Aquarium is doing just that, and their efforts are commendable.

Many places that are closed to visitors are using social media to try to interact with people. Shedd Aquarium is doing just that, and their efforts are commendable.

The beautiful penguins traveling the Amazon and meeting fish and other wildlife were a huge hit with the crowds. On Twitter, the films received over 100,000 likes, and the aquarium promised additional updates.

“While this may be an unusual moment for humans, the animals at Shedd seem to be doing OK. The aquarium added, “Our caretakers are always giving new opportunities for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviors with.”
Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴
Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stated last Friday that all public gatherings of 1,000 or more individuals will be prohibited. As a result, several venues and institutions were forced to close in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The aquarium shows penguins strolling about the grounds in a series of charming films.
The adventure continues! 🐧🐧
This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different! (1/3) 👇 pic.twitter.com/VdxN3oQAfe— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
Penguins like Edward and Annie will begin to build their nests next week. Join us digitally for nesting coverage! In the meantime, we will be sharing lots of different animal updates (and yes, Wellington will return!) 🐧👀 (2/3) pic.twitter.com/eCYKOwdOMz
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
Penguins like Edward and Annie will begin to build their nests next week. Join us digitally for nesting coverage! In the meantime, we will be sharing lots of different animal updates (and yes, Wellington will return!) 🐧👀 (2/3) pic.twitter.com/eCYKOwdOMz
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd. Our caregivers are constantly providing new experiences for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviors with. Let us know what penguin activities you would like to see! (3/3) pic.twitter.com/ftlow7iPHl
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
