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November 25, 2008
Shedd’s Atlantic wolffish go into what's called a “period of slumber” after consuming a large meal. Can you relate? But unlike the folks who doze off in front of the football game after Thanksgiving dinner, wolffish keep their eyes open as they snooze – because they have no eyelids. Sedentary and solitary, these denizens of rocky coastal seafloors on either side of the North Atlantic produce a natural antifreeze to keep their blood flowing in near-freezing waters.
November 24, 2008
Michelle Jost, Shedd's director of sustainable practices, demonstrates how to recycle electronics like cellphones, batteries and lightbulbs. Check out the video clip on WGN-TV.
You can also see Michelle cook a sustainable seafood dinner of baked perch with roasted root vegetables.
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
November 20, 2008
Forbes has named Shedd as one of America’s best aquariums, stating “Shedd captures the magic of aquatic life with exhibits that showcase everything from Amazonian anacondas and piranhas to a Caribbean Reef exhibit teeming with moray eels and green sea turtles.” Read the entire article.
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
November 16, 2008
Keep up to date with Shedd's Oceanarium animals and trainers with this Web diary series about all their doings off site during the renovation. In this entry, marine mammal trainer Indya Watts talks about how the sea otters and staff were transported to their temporary home at Minnesota Zoo.
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
November 14, 2008
Each year Shedd staff members head to the Bahamas with a group of volunteers to study West Indian rock iguana populations. The colorful iguanas are impressive, elusive and critically endangered. Shedd’s ongoing iguana research program depends on the support of volunteers – citizen scientists who give 10 days of their time to work side by side with us in the field. Participants in the iguana research expedition come from all over the world, have varied backgrounds, talents and scientific experience, and span generations. The common thread is a desire to have a positive impact, to learn and, of course, to have a great time! Registration is open for our upcoming expedition, March 20-29, 2009. Join us and make a difference!
Posted by Cecelia Ungari, conservation
November 11, 2008
If a fish could talk, what stories Granddad, Shedd’s venerable Australian lungfish, might tell of 75 years at the aquarium. Since crossing the Pacific on a steamship and chugging from Los Angeles to Chicago in Shedd’s original railroad car in 1933, Granddad has been here for the Century of Progress World’s Fair, the shortages of World War II, numerous gallery remodelings (we think he’s in his third habitat, the largest and nicest of all), the opening of the Oceanarium, which brought many more people through the galleries, too, and company in the form of several younger lungfish. He’s also seen several generations of aquarists retire. But other than the occasional slurp when he comes to the surface for air, the world’s oldest aquarium fish isn’t saying.
To celebrate Granddad’s 75 years at Shedd, seniors age 65 and older will receive free general admission between Nov. 13 and 16.
Posted by Karen Furnweger, web editor
November 07, 2008
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
November 05, 2008
Last weekend, nearly 400 people experienced Spooky Seas, our annual Halloween adventure at Shedd. We were amazed by the festive and creative costumes, and we've chosen our three favorites. Vote for your favorite by commenting below, and make sure to check out upcoming programs at Shedd.
Posted by Anastasia Haviza, education
Got spots before your eyes? And they’re moving? They might belong to one of the tiny polka dot strawberry dart frogs (Dendrobates pumilio) in Waters of the World. The tan (shown here), orange and nearly dotless yellow morphs, or varieties, are the same species as the mostly red frogs that, despite their delicious color, produce a terrible-tasting toxin in their skin. To predators, these strawberry, orange and yellow – along with green, blue, black and multicolored – dart frog morphs are just another name for “yuck.”
Posted by Karen Furnweger, web editor
