Penguins wander in Chicago aquarium shut down by coronavirus
On Sunday, the rockhopper penguins at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago got a taste of life on the other side of the glass as they explored the other exhibits in the empty aquarium.
"Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals," the aquarium told the Chicago Tribune. "Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviors."
The museum, which attracts more than 2 million visitors annually, closed Friday for two weeks amid coronavirus fears. It houses dozens of species including 30 penguins.
»MORE: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke to close for weeks due to coronavirus
Recently, a group of penguins went on a field trip to see the other exhibits around the aquarium to keep the penguins stimulated and curious without the excitement of daily visitors.
According to a tweet, one penguin especially enjoyed the Amazon River basin exhibit.
Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
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
Even though the building is closed to visitors, the staff still cares for the animals 24/7 as usual.
Guests can stay up to date on Shedd’s Twitter account to get an inside look behind the aquarium’s closed doors. You can even request an update on a favorite animal!
As part of preventative measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Shedd Aquarium will be temporarily closed for the next two weeks.
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 13, 2020
More information: https://t.co/uQJ7k2On33
In the meantime, let us know what animal updates you want! 👇 pic.twitter.com/6DA0P5KQb0
While we are closed to the public until March 29, animal care staff are onsite 24/7 to continue looking after the animals, including celebrating birthdays! Today on #PiDay giant river turtle Yam turns 28 years old...and so does animal care specialist, Evan! 🐢🥧 pic.twitter.com/068wcmrn6E
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 14, 2020
“Thank you Shedd Aquarium for continuing to post...we need our smiles wherever we can get them,” one Twitter user responded.
In Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium also announced its closing due to COVID-19 starting last Saturday.
