Hi,

I'm very excited about the renovation. The Oceanarium was a pure delight before... can't wait to see what you have in store!

I appreciate the obvious care to every detail in caring for these beautiful creatures (OK, staff included :>)

I do have one particular question regarding the Oceanarium. Will the new lighting attempt to duplicate the natural day/night cyclical pattern that would be found in the wild? Perhaps even with a changing lunar pattern and stars?

I am concerned that marine life may be affected by light pollution... especially considering the invention of the
electric light is barely more than 100 years old and has
effectively changed the natural cycle of light on a planet who has
been evolving for 4.6 billion years.

I have come across intriguing examples of serious adverse consequence to life, (humans included), caused from light pollution even by poorly designed common street lights.

Again, best of luck. Can't wait for the welcome home party!

Audrey Fischer
Chicago rep for International Dark-Sky Association

Thanks for your comment, Audrey. We appreciate your recognition of the care we provide to our animals and trainers. Stay tuned to our site for upcoming details on the Oceanarium renovation. I forwarded your question about lighting to Ken Ramirez, VP of animal collections and training. His thoughts are pasted below.
–Jay Geneske, web editor

"We are very familiar with the latest studies done on lights and the various instruments that provide different types of UV lighting. With many of our animals, such as the lizards and the penguins, we very carefully recreate the sunrise and sunset and give them full spectrum lighting. The success of our breeding program is a good indication of the effectiveness of these lights. We continually monitor the lighting carefully to provide the best lighting possible. When considering the design of any of our exhibits lighting is always a priority."
-Ken Ramirez, animal collections and training

Hello!
I was at Shedd in mid- July for the first time on vacation with my family. I was really interested in the Beluga whales. I already had wanted to possibly pursue a career in Marine Biology/Animal Training. I was just wondering how the Beluga's adapted to the change of enviroment of the two different facilities.
And Also if you could tell me which classes to take for College to become a Marine Biologist or Animal trainer.
Much Appreciated!
Alyssa Riffel.
El Dorado High School

Alyssa, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Shedd this summer. Our beluga whales and dolphins are doing well adapting to their temporary homes at Mystic Aquarium. In fact, here’s a blog post (http://interactive.sheddaquarium.org/2008/09/belugas-and-gul.html) about their acclimation. Also, look forward to a video diary next week from marine mammal trainer Madelynn Hettiger about their progress. As for your interest in marine biology, you should take a look at the classes and programs (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/education.html) Shedd offers for people of all ages interested in science and conservation.

Ken Ramirez from animal collections and training offered this advice:

“You can prepare for a career as a marine biologist by taking biology and marine biology courses in high school. To prepare to be a trainer we suggest biology, marine biology, zoology, animal behavior, or any animal science courses. In addition to classes, gaining practical animal care experience is important, we suggest that those interested in a career working with animals consider volunteering at a dog shelter, a horse stable, or at a zoo or aquarium – this will help give you exposure to the practical aspects of the career.”

-Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor