After Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in the United States was forced to close amid the coronavirus pandemic, staff decided to let a few waddling residents out of their enclosures for a field trip.
It is reported that the aquarium followed the same steps as the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town and closed its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. It is reported that it is the first time the Two Oceans Aquarium has closed since Christmas Day in 1996.
“We understand that this will come as an inconvenience to some of you who may have planned to visit us over the coming weeks, and we ask you please be patient with us as we do our best to attend to your concerns,” the aquarium said in a statement.
Going viral
The aquarium in Chicago went on to share videos on Twitter of three penguins checking out exhibits from the other side of the glass.
“Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals,” the aquarium said in a statement.
“Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours.”
USA Today reports that a rockhopper penguin, named Wellington, can be seen visiting the aquarium’s Amazon Rising exhibit, which features creatures from the Amazon River basin, the largest river system and rainforest on Earth. At 30, Wellington is the oldest penguin at the aquarium and has lived there since it opened in 1991.
Penguins in the Amazon?!
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020Some 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
In another video, a pair of bonded rockhopper penguins, named Edward and Annie, waddle past a tank full of sharks and rays. Eventually, they wander all the way towards the information desk. The two of them are reportedly together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different.
The adventure continues!
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020This 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
They will reportedly begin building their nest next week.
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!)
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020(2/3) pic.twitter.com/eCYKOwdOMz
And even though this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade was cancelled in Ireland (and other social gatherings associated with it worldwide) due to the coronavirus outbreak, the penguins at the Shedd had a penguin party!
It's a #StPatricksDay penguin party!
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 17, 2020
