After Chicago Aquarium Shuts Due To COVID-19, Penguins Enjoy A Grand Tour Of Other Exhibits
With much of Chicago now under self-imposed quarantine, it seems like the penguins (no, not the ones from Madagascar) decided to take over.
Instead of humans, penguins were to ones to get the grand tour of their own home at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium because no one else was around. The Shedd's rockhopper penguins went on a field trip through the aquarium, encountering some their fellow residents along the way.
For those who have watched the popular Netflix series Atypical you'd know just how happy the character Sam would have been to watch these penguins come out their aquarium to joyfully stroll around,
Shedd wrote on its social media pages: "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."
In another post, it added: "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! "While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd. "Our caregivers are constantly
Penguins including "Annie," "Edward" and "Wellington" got the lucky chance to explore the aquarium's Amazon Rising exhibit and get a look at the other animals.
The staff managed to capture some video footage of the penguins' day out, which you can watch below.
The Shedd Aquarium told the Chicago Tribune: "Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals." "Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours."
There are now over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Illinois. Officials announced Monday that there are an additional 12 cases; bringing the state total to 105 in 15 counties in Illinois.
Information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild. However, older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious illness.