19 March 2020 - Penguins take a 'field trip' around Chicago aquarium closed over coronavirus concerns
Penguins toured an aquarium that closed because of coronavirus concerns. The videos were exactly what we needed.
Antonia Noori Farzan (17/03/2020, The Washington Post)
With much of Chicago under self-imposed quarantine, it was time for the penguins to take over.
The inquisitive birds wandered down the darkened hallways of Shedd Aquarium, checking out exhibits about the Amazon rainforest and southeast Asian streams. They inspected giant tanks holding stingrays, dolphins and red-bellied piranhas, turning their heads to look in every direction like miniature tuxedo-clad security guards. Then, they waddled over to the empty information desk, ready to assume the job of greeting visitors whenever the crowds returned.
That might take a while: With 105 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) has banned gathering in groups of more than 50 people, and most of Chicago’s museums have opted to close.
Penguins explore aquarium shut to the public due to coronavirus
(17/03/2020, The Telegraph)
These penguins were allowed to explore their aquarium for the first time. S
hedd Aquarium in Chicago is closed to the public due to Covid-19 - but for the animals it’s meant freedom and adventure.
The bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, who took the tour as a couple, are together for nesting season.
With the aquarium closed to humans, penguins take opportunity to explore and visit other animals
Alicia Lee (16/03/2020, CNN)
The penguins at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago are usually the ones being looked at, since they are one of the most beloved attractions. But Sunday, they were able to get a taste of what it's like on the other side of the glass.
With the building closed to visitors to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, a group of rockhopper penguins were allowed to leave their habitat and explore the rest of the aquarium.
"Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals," the aquarium told the Chicago Tribune. "Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviors."
How zoos and aquariums are keeping animals from going stir crazy with the doors shut to the public
Janice Williams (17/03/2020, Newsweek)
Many zoos and aquariums across the nation have closed doors in an effort to prevent further spreading of coronavirus between workers and the general public. But with no visitors to greet them each day, the animals have unfortunately been forced to practice social distancing as well.
So, some zookeepers and aquarium workers have come up with a few creative ways to keep animals active and possibly prevent them from going stir crazy.
For instance, at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, penguins were released from their cages and allowed to roam around the aquarium. The aquatic animal center released a string of videos on Twitter of a rockhopper penguin couple as they explored the Shedd's rotunda area on Monday.