November 19, 2009
For the top-to-bottom Oceanarium renovation, Kris Nesbitt, senior exhibit designer, and Kara Kotwas, senior graphic designer, saw the underwater viewing gallery as a blank canvas on which to create a universally accessible permanent exhibit where “all children can find something to do.”
November 10, 2009
The reviews are in and Fantasea is a "must sea!" Check out reviews in The Chicago Tribune, Southtown Star and WBBM radio.
Check out this video introducing the cast of Shedd's new aquatic show.
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
October 16, 2009
Here's a look back at the renovation of the reimagined Oceanarium. Thanks for supporting Shedd and visit us soon!
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
October 08, 2009
Check out the official trailer for Fantasea, which debuts Oct. 16 at Shedd!
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
September 24, 2009
A newly renovated Oceanarium isn’t all that Shedd’s marine mammal trainers have been excited about lately; several months ago, blood tests and ultrasound exams – routine veterinary procedures performed on all our marine mammals – revealed that two beluga whales are pregnant!
Kelly Schaaf, a senior trainer in the marine mammals department, is one of the staff members caring for the expectant females. “In a lot of ways,” Kelly said, “the routine stays the same. We still do training sessions and let them interact with other whales.” The frequency of routine examinations has increased, however, as staff members try to determine how far along each pregnancy is (belugas gestate between 14 and 16 months!) and continue to monitor the health of the mothers. When physical cues indicate that labor is near for each mom, she will be moved to a separate habitat, and veterinarians will watch and wait. Wait is the key word. Kelly notes, “The actual birthing process can take several hours.”
August 04, 2009
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.
July 22, 2009
Yesterday, members of the media experienced a special beluga encounter, one of Shedd's premium experiences. Below are a few stories we wanted to share:
Time Out Chicago
CLTV
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
Red Eye
Chicago Breaking News
Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
July 17, 2009
She chirps. She breaches. She even dances, in a head-bobbing sort of way. We’re talking about beluga whale Bella, who turns 3 years old on Friday, July 17.
It’s only natural that you can see Bella confidently strutting her stuff during training sessions (and watch for her in the new aquatic show debuting later this summer). At 4 months, she became an international media star when ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” show ran an online contest to name her. “Bella” was the hands-down winner, and the little whale got comfortable with TV crews and bright lights – with her protective mom, Puiji, by her side, of course.
July 15, 2009
The Steve Irwin Fellowship complements Shedd Aquarium’s mentor programs for Chicago high school students interested marine science careers. The three-week program includes a week at Shedd shadowing animal care staff members and two weeks in Australia gaining hands-on experience at partner zoological institutions. Katie Dziedzic, the third recipient of this prestigious fellowship, filed this report of her amazing experience:
July 11, 2009
The opening of the reimagined Oceanarium also marked the return of the belugas. The calves – now nearly 2 and 3 – have grown a lot since last summer. And with seven whales swirling by the windows in Polar Play Zone and the Oceanarium, it might be hard to tell them apart or spot your favorite.
Here’s a key to their i.d.:
