The aquarium closes its doors for 2020 and now offers virtual encounters.
Tuesday, November 17 marks the last time Shedd Aquarium opened its doors to visitors in the year 2020. Due to the city and statewide COVID-19 mitigation effort, Shedd Aquarium has decided to voluntarily close to the public from Wednesday, November 18. The much-loved aquarium plans to re-open its doors at the beginning of January provided the situation has improved and the safety of people, animals, and the community can be ensured.
To align with city and statewide COVID-19 mitigation effort, Shedd Aquarium is voluntarily closing our doors again, starting tomorrow until January 2.
While our doors are closed, our digital doors are wide open and ready for you! 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/xT8UpPtNpY
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) November 17, 2020
The Shedd Aquarium will instead offer digital programs for the next six weeks with the aim of making sure visitors can still learn and interact with the animals of the aquarium. Live online adventures such as close-up animal encounters and virtual slumber party events can be enjoyed via the Shedd Aquarium’s website. There are also several free episodes and activities available to keep kids entertained as well as live cameras.
Introducing two exciting new family and kid-friendly programs!
🐠 Zzz's Under the Seas (for families): https://t.co/U7EK4E7HMd
🐠 Virtual Aquarium Adventures (for kids): https://t.co/uZ244K0w6QTake your family and kids on an aquatic animal learning adventure, all from home! pic.twitter.com/FVBxQNmBpF
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) November 10, 2020
Essential staff at the Shedd Aquarium will continue to care for the 32,000 animals and maintain the facility, while many of the employees will work from home if at all possible. Aquarium regulars can support the Shedd Aquarium by donating or even adopting an animal.