Abbott Expands Longstanding Partnership with Shedd Aquarium through $10 Million Donation

Together, Shedd Aquarium and global healthcare company Abbott are announcing one of Shedd’s largest corporate gifts in recent history – a $10 million pledge from Abbott and Abbott's philanthropic foundation, Abbott Fund. The investment cements the longstanding partnership between Shedd, Abbott, and Abbott Fund to enrich the cultural, educational and environmental fabric of Chicago and spark passion for protecting the ocean environment.

In recognition of Abbott and Abbott Fund's previous support, Shedd named the aquarium’s marine mammal pavilion the Abbott Oceanarium in 2010. Since then, over 30 million people have had the opportunity to come face-to-face with charismatic marine species like Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales and penguins, and learn the stories of rescued animals like sea otters and sea lions. With their new gift, Abbott and Abbott Fund will support this dynamic space for the next two decades.

"Situated 800 miles away from the closest ocean, Shedd Aquarium serves as a portal to life beneath the water's surface, bridging a widening gap between people and nature," said Dr. Bridget C. Coughlin, president and CEO of Shedd Aquarium. "Abbott's remarkable generosity and corporate leadership will help the aquarium reach, inspire and empower future generations to better understand and cherish our shared blue planet."

"At Abbott, we believe a sustainable future starts with health, and that includes the health of our oceans and planet," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "With this donation, we are proud to continue our partnership with Chicago's iconic Shedd Aquarium for another 20 years to support the ongoing education, preservation and protection of our environment, oceans and wildlife."

The Abbott Oceanarium is home to popular guest offerings like rotating aquatic spotlights, pop-up animal chats, animal encounter programs and the Phelps 4-D Theater. Recently, the aquarium also unveiled an enhanced entry experience and new pathing that makes it easier than ever for guests to access the oceanarium.

The knowledge, skills and care for the animals that call the Abbott Oceanarium home allow Shedd to meaningfully contribute to the collective understanding of these species and the challenges facing their wild counterparts. Shedd Aquarium experts and scientists publish research studies, advocate for legislation and protection and respond to animals in need – all to safeguard animals here and everywhere.

For more information about Abbott Oceanarium, visit: sheddaquarium.org/exhibits/abbott-oceanarium.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos of the Abbott Oceanarium here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70638f606573baada0&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

About Shedd Aquarium:
Shedd Aquarium is a recognized leader in animal care, education, conservation and science that sparks compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Every year, Shedd serves as a portal for millions of guests, bringing them eye-to-eye with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, coral reefs, kelp forests and countless other species from around the world. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the organization is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. www.sheddaquarium.org

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Youtube.