Maris Muzzy

As a member of Shedd’s Animal Records and Analytics team, Maris Muzzy plays a critical role in the aquarium’s enrichment and animal behavior programs. Muzzy uses her extensive experience working with Shedd’s cetaceans to establish a methodology of best practices specific to the aquarium. Muzzy cultivates Shedd’s animal behavior monitoring volunteer team, and works to develop other foundational practices effective for all the animals in Shedd’s care.

Prior to her role as manager, animal behavior monitoring and enrichment, Muzzy spent decades working with Shedd’s beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. She and her team ensured the cetaceans’ optimal welfare through dynamic habitats, the highest quality nutrition and dynamic training and enrichment opportunities every day.

Muzzy has witnessed many births at Shedd and helped raise calves, as well as oversaw the continued development of the pods. Muzzy has participated in various research and conservation efforts, as well as important educational opportunities like Animal Spotlights featuring natural behaviors and adaptations of these incredible marine mammals.