Penguins Have the Run of Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, Closed for Coronavirus

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is closed to visitors because of the coronavirus crisis, so staffers are letting the penguins go on field trips around the building. A rockhopper penguin named Wellington was curious about the fish in an Amazon exhibit, and a bonded pair of rockhoppers called Edward and Annie went on a little waddle before they settle down to make their nests.

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The adventure continues! 🐧🐧 This morning, Edward and Annie explored the rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Every spring is nesting season for the penguins here at Shedd, and this year is no different! Next week, penguins, including Edward and Annie, will begin to build their nests. You’re invited to digitally join us for the nesting coverage! In the meantime, we will share a variety of animal activities, and yes, Wellington will return! While right now is strange to us, it’s a normal day for the penguins and other animals at Shedd. Our caregivers are constantly providing new activities, experiences, food and more to allow the animals to express natural behaviors. Let us what penguin activities you want to see! 👇

A post shared by Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) on Mar 16, 2020 at 2:09pm PDT

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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! Other animals like the black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitors. Swipe right to view Monte’s trip in Polar Play Zone.

A post shared by Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) on Mar 15, 2020 at 10:56am PDT

Penguins Have the Run of a Chicago Aquarium

The aquarium is closed for coronavirus so the penguins are stretching their legs.

Tracy Connor