SOJOURN BY PEGGY SLOAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ©SHEDD AQUARIUM/BRENNA HERNANDEZ Wellington, a rockhopper penguin, visits several beluga whales in Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium. These two species would never see each other in the wild, as belugas live around the Arctic and all the world’s penguins live south of the Equator. Travel the World – and Help Save It – with Shedd Aquarium E MAY NOT KNOW when we will day, and their habitats and communities change. through the water, waddle on the land, and look travel again. Fortunately, we can be Without leaving Chicago, visitors experience people right in the eye. Red-bellied piranhas, Wtransported to another world with- environments from around the world, created for giant river fishes, and a 14-foot-long anaconda out leaving Chicago. Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium animals born to thrive in salt, fresh, polar, and swim and slither in beautifully recreated habitats invites everyone to look nature in the eye, every tropical waters. in Amazon Rising. day, and experience the wonder of animals and the From whale watching in the Pacific Northwest- ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE world we share. inspired Oceanarium to exploring under the Helping animals brings joy to many of us. Visit GLOBETROTTING AT SHEDD tropical waters of a vivid coral reef, our aquatic animals rescued by Shedd Aquarium and see how AQUARIUM world is open for discovery. they thrive with opportunities to exhibit their nat- Chicago’s cultural gem welcomed guests back in Visiting the rocky coasts or mighty rivers of ural abilities. Watch young sea otter pups, Cooper July with stringent new protocols to allow for a safe South America may not be on the agenda any and Watson, explore their kelp habitat, replicating and enjoyable visit. Returning aquarium fans and time soon. Yet, some special animals uniquely the waters where they were found as orphans off first-time visitors alike found a new experience. equipped to survive in these magical places greet the California coast. Follow Nickel, the rescued Even in the best of times no trip to the Aquarium you at the aquarium. Magellanic and rockhopper green sea turtle, in the iconic Caribbean Reef coral is ever the same. Animals behave differently every penguins—native to the coasts of Argentina—fly community. 116 • Quintessential Barrington | QBarrington.com Any aquatic destination you planned to visit August and a new cohort taken in to help bolster Shedd Aquarium invites everyone to be an in 2020 is likely represented by Shedd Aquarium. the population and safeguard it from decline. adventurous community volunteer. The aquarium Diverse ecosystems allow the aquarium’s team to ex- Caring for tens of thousands of thriving offers Action Days to focus on important habitat pertly care for more than 32,000 animals every day. aquatic animals requires a deep understanding of restoration work during months when being Just as ecotourism supports wildlife, wild and appreciation for animals and nature. Shedd outdoors may be challenging. Bundle up with the places, and communities in special natural desti- Aquarium’s expertise in animal care, science, and Shedd team and learn to appreciate, explore, and nations, a visit to Shedd Aquarium achieves simi- conservation ties directly and transfers to impact help nature during fall and winter months. lar impact. Aquarium admission and membership in the wild. Exploration and discovery with the While the aquarium’s conservation restoration dollars enable the exceptional animal care and aquarium happens throughout Chicago. team continues working outdoors year-round, the welfare, conservation and research, rescue and In a world full of wonder we know, still, there is research team returns indoors. Aquarium scien- rehabilitation, and community engagement that no place like home. Helping people look nature in tists focus on learning from seasonal field work defines Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. the eye in and around Chicago is part of the DNA completed over the summer. Rivers, lakes, and of Shedd Aquarium. SHEDD AQUARIUM IN OUR BACKYARD streams reveal incredibly important yet poorly At Shedd Aquarium animal care, conservation, SHEDD’S CONSERVATION OUTREACH understood animals, such as freshwater mussels. and science did not close for quarantine. Chicago’s green spaces helped many of us through Freshwater mussels are vitally important to the Although unable to welcome visitors for over the spring and summer of 2020. As we look forward health of our waterways. Burrowed under sand three months, Shedd’s animal care, science and to the fall and winter, Director of Conservation Ac- with a siphon exposed these animals act like “livers” conservation team continued to provide un- tion, Jaclyn Wegner, will lead a core of volunteers of rivers and lakes, by filtering bacteria and con- compromised care and contribute to impactful and Shedd’s action team members throughout the taminants from freshwater ecosystems, including conservation science. For example, 35 Blanding’s Forest Preserves of Cook County to restore these the sources of water we drink. Yet, habitat loss and turtle hatchlings continued receiving exceptional special places. We invite community volunteers to pollution make freshwater mussels one of the most care and monitoring in preparation for their help Shedd scientists remove invasive plant species. endangered groups of animals on the continent. release into the wild in August. These hatchlings Restoring native plants helps threatened local Shedd Aquarium researcher Dr. Kentaro Inoue represent the second cohort of animals given a amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, recover. leads a team that conducts surveys across North- “head start” at survival by Shedd Aquarium. Dr. Amphibians are a cornerstone of healthy wetlands west Illinois to determine the abundance and di- Matt O’Conner, senior veterinarian, established and through the aquarium’s habitat restoration na- versity of remaining freshwater mussel populations. the head start program in 2018. In collaboration tive frogs and salamander populations continue to Aquarium researchers share wet, muddy (and fun) with Illinois wildlife agencies the Aquarium aids increase. With their recovery comes the return of work with partners like the DeKalb County Forest in recovery of the Blanding’s turtle, which is an balance for native wildlife—something Shedd re- Preserve District, the Illinois Natural History Sur- important local endangered species. These young search biologist Dr. Melissa Youngquist continues vey and Openlands to ensure the continued sur- turtles were released into their native range in to study and document. vival of these unlikely aquatic heroes. ABOVE: A critically endangered green sawfish, Ginsu, swimming around in Shedd Aquarium’s massive Wild Reef exhibit. The exhibit mimics the vibrant coral reef systems found near the Philippines. RIGHT: Nickel, a rescued green sea turtle, floats in Shedd’s iconic Caribbean Reef exhibit. QBarrington.com | Quintessential Barrington • 117 In the spring and summer, Dr. Melissa Youngquist leads Shedd’s efforts to record the Volunteers from across Chicagoland support habitat restoration and the removal recovery of local amphibian species to measure the success of the aquarium’s ongoing of invasive species as part of Shedd Aquarium’s action days throughout the Forest habitat restoration efforts. More amphibians means a healthier wetland! Preserves of Cook County. Members of Shedd’s Conservation Action team participating in Kayak for Conservation, Shedd researchers like Dr. Kentaro Inoue are often waist deep in water and mud a program designed to connect the public with the revitalization efforts along the to better understand the presence of freshwater mussels in our streams and rivers, Chicago River. important animals that keep our waterways clean. Within the city, the aquarium also works to bring the Chicago River back to life for ani- mals and people. Along with partners like Urban Rivers, Shedd Aquarium created floating How to Support Shedd Aquarium islands to encourage the return of native wildlife. In turn, the natural beauty of the islands One of the best ways to support Shedd’s work to and animals creates opportunities for people to experience nature up close. In summer sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for months, Shedd takes people on kayaks to paddle by these islands, clean up litter, and learn our shared Blue Planet is to become a member or just how alive the Chicago River can be. renew your membership. Importantly, data measures the success of Shedd Aquarium’s work. Dr. Austin Happel Shedd Membership powers the aquarium’s con- has documented a resurgence of native species to the river, indicating an overall increase in servation research and action, immersive learning the health of the water and environment we all share. programs, and exemplary animal care efforts. It also provides YOU with unique ways to connect with JOIN US animals from around the world at Shedd. Sharing the joy of looking nature in the eye—whether it’s a video of curious penguins touring Give the gift of Shedd this holiday season, by pur- a closed aquarium, or a close encounter with a stingray during an aquarium visit—matters chasing a membership for friends or family! because Shedd Aquarium cares about our aquatic world and our community. The aquarium Quintessential Barrington readers can use takes action for animals and contributes to communities by inviting people to experience promo code 25537 to receive 25% off Supporter- Advocate memberships through the end of the year. the joy, wonder, and value of our aquatic world. When you visit, become an aquarium mem- If you aren’t ready to become a member, the next ber, play outside with our team on the river or in the woods, you also take action for animals. best thing is to plan a visit to Shedd. The aquarium Please join Shedd Aquarium in sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for our is ready to joyfully welcome you, with precautions aquatic world. Plan a visit, become an aquarium member, play outside with our team on the in place that make you feel like you have the whole river or in the woods.