Now serving up sustainable seafood programs

As Shedd's new sustainable seafood facilitator, I will be coordinating 
awareness and outreach for our Right Bite seafood program, including
 partner training, culinary school guest lectures and public programs
 such as cooking demos. I'll also develop culinary how-to's for every in-home chef. You may even see me in my Shedd chef's jacket doing TV and
website appearances!
 I am thrilled to join Shedd's team of dedicated and passionate
conservation professionals. Watch this page for Right Bite program
updates and seafood inspirations! Meanwhile, please enter any questions or thoughts in the comment section
 of this blog post, and I'll be sure to respond. 



Posted by Kim Stakal, conservation

Last Day of Young Naturalists

Reflections from the Young Nats on their last day:

I came into this program shy and scared to talk to anyone, much less guests. After six amazing weeks, I am a completely different person. Now I’m not afraid to be different, or to be goofy, silly, loud and confident. Young Naturalists truly taught me to be myself. Over these weeks, I have met many different, amazing people who have made an impact on the way I see myself and on the way I want to be. I now know I can accomplish more than I ever thought possible. – Emilse A.

Shark pups update

Many of you have asked for an update regarding the four blacktip reef sharks born last fall at Shedd (check out the video). Animal care is our top priority, which means we carefully manage our entire animal population. Given that our current collection of blacktip sharks is predominantly male, we have relocated the three male pups to other AZA-accredited aquariums or zoos, while caring for the female pup here at Shedd. We are pleased to report that all pups are growing fast and are in good health.

Staff Profile: Melanie Napoleon

How long have you been at Shedd?
8 years

What is your role at Shedd? 
Director of Great Lakes Conservation

What compelled you to work in conservation?
My progression of education led me to Shedd to work to protect our Great Lakes. As a kid growing up in the Great Lakes region I always enjoyed nature and loved to explore the outdoors. In high school I was energized by the 20th anniversary of the revitalization of Earth Day in Chicago. In college I received my Environmental Biology Degree and went on to get my Masters in Evolutionary Biology because I was interested in animal behavior.

Shedd hosts the Royal Court of the Bud Billiken Parade

Six children (pictured here with Shedd President and CEO Ted Beattie) earned the highest grade in the Chicago Defender's essay competition on Abraham Lincoln. The trip to Shedd was one of the highlights of their week of fun and one of the prizes and trips they received for earning the highest grade.

The Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic is Saturday, Aug. 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor

Coral reproduction

As a steward of the natural world, Shedd takes our responsibilities very seriously. We are determined and passionate about conservation and research, which is why we participate in SECORE (SExual COral REproduction), an initiative that supports coral research, husbandry,and conservation.

Shedd beluga whales pregnant

Shedd is pleased to announce that two of our female beluga whales are pregnant. Twenty-three-year-old Puiji, and 20-year-old Naya are expected to give birth this fall. Both whales are healthy and their pregnancies are progressing normally. While we remain cautiously optimistic, we are equally thrilled. Our animal care and health experts continue to provide the very best 24-hour care to both beluga moms.

Young Naturalists Week 5

Throughout their fifth week at Shedd, the Young Naturalists have learned about sharks at Wild Reef, cleaned up a beach nearby, and thought about qualities that make a good interpreter. The Young Nats have shared their thoughts on the Young Naturalist Program, as well as their advice for future participants.

From the Young Naturalist Program, I love that I meet new people everyday. I enjoy talking to them about all the animals that I like. Also, I enjoy teaching people about animals that we have here at Shedd. I have learned so much, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. For next year’s Young Nats, I would advise them to let loose early, because it will make interpreting easier.
-Emilse A.