In Shedd’s sea otter nursery, animal care experts are working around the clock in two 12-hour shifts to attend to the needs of Shedd’s latest addition, a southern sea otter pup. Like parents of a newborn baby, they must keep to a rigorous schedule of feedings, cleanups, playtime and naps—plus swimming lessons and intensive grooming sessions to keep the pup’s thick fur clean, dry and insulating. In place of diapers, the marine mammal department’s washer and dryer keep spinning out clean towels, and lots of them.

When Stephanie Hoerner was a first-year teacher, she wanted a unique way to engage her eighth-grade students. Stephanie had attended Shedd’s Underwater Robotics professional development program, in which she built her own remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and used it to conduct field research. She adapted this program for her students, to give them an interactive learning experience.

It’s Penguin Awareness Day, and here’s someone who’s all dressed up and ready to celebrate. Why not schedule a Shedd trip soon to visit this bird and the other Magellanic penguins, as well as the rockhoppers, in Polar Play Zone? Kids can even put on a penguin costume—or just wear black and white.

Native Great Lakes plants and animals have adaptations for toughing out long, harsh winters, but what about the region’s newer arrivals? Just like people who move to Chicago from different climates, some non-native species can thrive in the cold, while others struggle—not always successfully—to adjust.

River otters take on winter the old-fashioned way—with a thick coat and gritty determination.

North American river otters, Lantra canadensis, are one of the Great Lakes animals that tough it out when winter rolls around. Unlike many other local species, they don’t migrate to a far-off place; they don’t hibernate in a deep sleep, and they don’t slow down to minimize their energy expenditure.

The moon jellies have transcended “mesmerizing.” With some nearly a foot in diaphanous diameter, they are now stop-you-in-your-tracks breathtaking. Vertical and stretching into flattened translucent white disks, these big jellies look like full moons rising before they pulse their bells shut again.

On the recent afternoon that I visited Jellies, aquarist Maureen Koneval was perched on a platform in front of the special exhibit’s introductory moon jelly habitat and pouring a rust-red cloud of 2-day-old brine shrimp into the gently circulating water.

Just like many other animals—including us—smallmouth bass have developed behavioral patterns that help them to get through icy midwestern winters, triggered by changes in light and temperature. Research from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources suggests that smallmouth bass throughout the species northern range in Canada always begin migrating from their summer habitat one week after the autumnal equinox. This clockwork behavior may be connected to a light-sensitive part of fishes’ brains called the pineal gland.

Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Begin 2012 by choosing ocean-friendly seafood. Every month, Shedd shares a sustainable seafood dish. January’s is stone crab. Stone crab can be found on Shedd’s best choice list for sustainable seafood. Not only do we have a delicious recipe for stone crab and kale breakfast bowls—it’s also an environmentally responsible choice!

In Shedd Aquarium's recent wreath-cycled challenge, local classes worked together to create wreaths made of recycled materials were displayed as part of Shedd’s holiday décor. The participating teachers, students and their families were also invited to a special event on Dec. 22 to celebrate their projects and participation! Enjoy photos of the winning wreaths in seven categories:

Overall Winner: Learn Charter School

As a year-end tradition, many of us will take time this week to grab a pen or a keyboard and write down resolutions for the New Year. While it’s a good time to reflect on the gifts that our Great Lakes give us every day—clean water, fresh air, good food—it’s also a good time to resolve to give back together. There are many resolutions that we can make to help keep the lakes great, but which ones can make a big impact? How can we inspire each other to have a sustainable 2012? A few small changes in our actions can mean big changes for the environment. Here are some green ideas to get you started: