Shedd Interactive

Shooting Photos Underwater

The classroom and underwater work of Shedd's Underwater Photography Class for adults was wonderful. In addition to our instructor’s knowledge, ability to teach to different experience levels and availability of practice equipment, being in the Caribbean Reef was a phenomenal experience. This picture of Nickel came as I was hovering about 3 feet over the green moray eel.  I looked up to see Nickel being a little more curious than I had ever expected. Thank goodness for autofocus, because I snapped the shutter more out of reflexive surprise than careful composition. What a great adventure!

Posted by Gene Weiss, photography student

Sunrise in the Oceanarium

 

Recent Oceanarium construction photos.

Eco-friendly Paints

At Shedd, we use eco-friendly paints when we are working in our exhibit areas like the Oceanarium and behind the scenes. Many paints, as well as other home improvement products like cleaners and caulk, contain chemicals that are not good for us (or our animals) to breathe. These paints contain chemical and solvents, known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and emit gas into our homes. We limit our exposure to VOCs and work to make the air as clean as we can for our animals, guests and staff.  Look for low- and no-VOC paints at your local hardware store.

Posted by Reginald Brown, facilities

Getting Green for the Season

The Bridgeview Community Center Cub Scouts recently teamed up with Shedd education staff members and got their hands dirty as they participated in a habitat restoration project at Illinois Beach State Park. The pack heaved heavy logs, stomped through muddy water and stacked up unwanted litter. All of this effort and dedication helped to unclog the park’s drainage system, benefiting plants and animals alike. Shedd would like to thank the Bridgeview Cub Scouts for all their help and commitment in becoming the next generation of natural world ambassadors. Check out other youth activities at Shedd.

Posted by Heather Schneider, education

Greener Cleaning Supplies

Have you ever wondered what’s in your soap? At Shedd, we pay attention to the ingredients in almost everything we use. Our animals are sensitive to some of the chemicals in cleaning products, so we use greener cleaning products.  In many cases, vinegar and water are strong enough for our needs and better for our ecosystems than harsh chemicals. When we need something a little stronger we use products that are Green Seal certified. We also buy concentrated supplies and dilute them with water, which cuts down on what’s being shipped, saving fuel and resources.  Many eco-friendly cleaning products can be made in your own home using common ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and good old elbow grease. Learn more about what you can do at home.

Posted by Jarvis Escobar, facilities

Pet Training the Shedd Way - Interview with Ken Ramirez

Dogs at Shedd Aquarium? Ken Ramirez, Shedd's VP of animal collections and training, talks about "Pet Training the Shedd Way."

Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor

Beluga and Dolphin Trainer Diary #3

Keep up to date with Shedd's Oceanarium animals and trainers with this Web diary series about all their doings off site during the renovation. In this entry, marine mammal trainer Madelynn Hettiger takes us behind-the-scenes at Mystic Aquarium.

Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor

Blacktip Reef Shark Pups

Shedd proudly announces the birth of four blacktip reef sharks.

Posted by Lise Christopher, animal collections

Dozing after Dinner

Shedd’s Atlantic wolffish go into what's called a “period of slumber” after consuming a large meal. Can you relate? But unlike the folks who doze off in front of the football game after Thanksgiving dinner, wolffish keep their eyes open as they snooze – because they have no eyelids. Sedentary and solitary, these denizens of rocky coastal seafloors on either side of the North Atlantic produce a natural antifreeze to keep their blood flowing in near-freezing waters.

How to Recycle Electronics

Michelle Jost, Shedd's director of sustainable practices, demonstrates how to recycle electronics like cellphones, batteries and lightbulbs. Check out the video clip on WGN-TV.

You can also see Michelle cook a sustainable seafood dinner of baked perch with roasted root vegetables.

Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor