An indoor aquarium in Chicago decided to make full use of the total shut down by literally letting their penguins out for a walk.
Warning: this is one extremely cute post, so please make sure you don't go 'aww' too loud to avoid disturbing your work-from-home neighbour(s).
Time for a field trip!
After the Shedd Aquarium was forced to close down to curb the spread of the virus, the aquarium staff decided to let their adorable residents roam around to visit their other animal friends.The aquarium shared several videos on their Twitter account, showing three penguins checking out exhibits as well as other animals from the other side of the glass.
Wellington, a rockhopper penguin who happens to be the oldest in the aquarium, had the most fun time checking out the aquarium's Amazon Rising exhibit:
Penguins in the Amazon?! ??
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD
Meanwhile, a pair of bonded rockhopper penguins named Annie and Edward decided to visit their shark and stingray friends:
The adventure continues! ??
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different! (1/3) ? pic.twitter.com/VdxN3oQAfe
Penguins like Edward and Annie will begin to build their nests next week. Join us digitally for nesting coverage! In the meantime, we will be sharing lots of different animal updates (and yes, Wellington will return!) ?? (2/3) pic.twitter.com/eCYKOwdOMz
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
Annie and Edward eventually ended up at the information counter, presumably to ask where they can get some mid-day snacks?
While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd. Our caregivers are constantly providing new experiences for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviors with. Let us know what penguin activities you would like to see! (3/3) pic.twitter.com/ftlow7iPHl
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
According to the aquarium, the staff at the aquarium are "getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals."
"Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours."
Thank you for letting the penguins out, you guys! We hope the little ones had the most awesome day.