There’s plenty of action and adventure going on behind closed doors at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
And thanks to the dedicated staff of caretakers and veterinarians, the aquarium has come up with the goods to keep people at home the world over smiling, despite the forced closures of restaurants, bars, and other cultural institutions we so desperately crave. (Featured image: @shedd_aquarium)
The Shedd’s first tweet, the beginning of the penguin adventure titled Penguins In The Amazon?! and Wellington’s initial introduction, has already racked up more than 2M views on Twitter with many swooning and asking for more.
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
The second installment, dosed out in three parts, presents Annie and Edward, a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins. This adorable pair will remain together for the entirety of the mating season—which just so happens to begin next week—and, yes, of course, the caretakers will be digitally covering the nest-building phase of their relationship. We’re hoping for a live stream.
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
And though seeing penguins roaming around might be strange for us at home, Shedd Aquarium iterates that their caretakers are constantly ‘providing new experiences for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviours’. And of course, they celebrate birthdays too.
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
Not to be outdone by Annie, Edward and Wellington, Oregon Zoo is also getting in on the action. Take a look at their gorgeous pandas!
It’s #NationalPandaDay, folks pic.twitter.com/OEdsYzpTY8
— Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) March 16, 2020
And their crazy otters!
Otter slushie coming up pic.twitter.com/sIGSk66W22
— Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) March 14, 2020
It must be said that Wellington was our first love, but since his first appearance, we haven’t seen him again. However, Shedd Aquarium have promised he will be taking the stage in the future — and who knows what other creative activities his caretakers can think of?
If you have any animal updates you’d like to see or any ideas for penguin adventures, get in touch with Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) and tell them what you want!