Penguins get run of the Shedd Aquarium amid coronavirus closure

They aren’t the usual visitors to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.

In fact, Edward and Annie are usually a main attraction for visitors to the Shedd Aquarium.

But as the facility shuts down, along with most other businesses around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, keepers let the rockhopper penguins roam around.

“This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda,” the aquarium wrote on social media Monday. “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! “

Penguins will start building their nests next week.

The facility is invited people to join them “digitally for nesting coverage!”

“While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd,” the aquarium said.

“Our caregivers are constantly providing new experiences for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviors with,” it added.

Shedd also wants to know what “penguin activities” people would like to see until it reopens — hopefully soon.

“As part of preventative measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Shedd Aquarium will be temporarily closed for the next two weeks,” officials announced March 13.

About the author

Recovering newspaper reporter.

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