Amazon Rising Returns to Shedd Aquarium, Sparking a New Era for Conservation Awareness
Serving as the first look at the ongoing Experience Evolution, the reimagined exhibit offers immersive and participatory ways to commune with nature
October 01, 2024
Shedd Aquarium’s Amazon Rising exhibit returns with a commitment to connect guests to biodiversity, biology and animal behaviors in novel ways. Home to more than one-third of the world’s known species, the Amazon rainforest and river system is a unique and complex ecosystem that transforms twice a year, from dry season to months of floods. Guests are transported to this biodiversity hotspot for eye-to-eye encounters with an array of animals. New multi-sensory, immersive interactives demonstrate animal adaptations, providing guests with hands-on opportunities to learn how animals communicate, forage, hunt and explore.
“Life in the Amazon River basin is unlike anywhere else in the world, and we serve as a portal to this dense and diverse ecosystem showcasing how animals have evolved to adapt to a constantly changing landscape,” said Meghan Curran, chief marketing and experience officer at Shedd Aquarium. “As we invite people to commune with nature in deeper, more personal ways, we intend to inspire wonder, hope, and action to preserve wildlife and wild places like the Amazon.”
The gallery and its habitats have expanded by nearly 30,000 gallons in volume to support animals that continue to grow like the massive 11-foot-long anaconda and the ancient arapaima that can grow from their current length of six feet to 10 feet. Guests can see an array of astounding adaptations these amazing animals have developed to thrive. Interactive highlights include a chance to hear the distinct clapping sound when an arapaima’s bony tongue crushes its food, uncover how electric eels use high and low voltage electrical charges in the water, discover the world through thermal imaging like an anaconda and more. These enhanced, hands-on opportunities allow guests to see how these awe-inspiring animals experience such a unique environment. Additionally, pop-up programming and chats will link explorers to experts to continue building connections with aquatic life in the Amazon.
Further, guests are encouraged to engage all their senses while discovering the world’s largest tropical basin. With increased immersive elements, visitors can hear the ever-changing symphony of forest sounds, marvel at over 500 lush varieties of plants, detect the scent of fruit when it falls into the Amazon River and feel the humid climate. The addition of detailed illustrations throughout the exhibit showcases stories about animals’ natural behaviors and provides scenes guests would otherwise not be able to see.
Throughout the journey, guests learn how everyone can play a role in safeguarding and sustaining the environment. From uncovering ways travel choices can impact wildlife worldwide to asking questions before welcoming a new pet, guests explore how to be better stewards of our shared blue planet.
With an intentional focus on reducing barriers, the aquarium continues to make connections with nature seamless and more welcoming. All educational signage, interpretive and interactives in the renovated Amazon Rising space are available in English and Spanish. Throughout the exhibit there are 12 richly detailed and scientifically accurate tactile models of Amazonian wildlife that offer hands-on exploratory opportunities for people who are blind, have low vision or prefer multi-sensory experiences. These additions allow even more guests to build a meaningful appreciation and individual connection with all types of aquatic life.
This recently reopened space is the first look at the physical transformations taking place as part of the ongoing Experience Evolution. The transformation, as demonstrated through the Amazon Rising reopening, features more dynamic, science-forward exhibits that inspire compassion and curiosity. The reimagining of Shedd’s historic galleries places an emphasis on experience, encouraging guests to use their senses, learn through active participatory elements and become fully immersed in the aquatic world.
Transformational support for Shedd’s Centennial Commitment has been provided by The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation, the Morgridge Family Foundation, the Mansueto Foundation, and Builders Initiative. Lead contributions have also been generously provided by the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation, The Grainger Foundation, Kenneth C. Griffin, Mike and Lindy Keiser, Anna and Bob Livingston, The Regenstein Foundation, the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, and Mary and Stephen Byron Smith.
Lead project partners on the aquarium’s transformation and restoration include joint venture Chicago-based general contractor partners Pepper/BMI Construction LLC, architect Valerio Dewalt Train, project manager JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), Shedd’s Design and Exhibits team - supported by exhibit design partner Thinc Design, inclusive museum design and accessibility partner Institute for Human Centered Design, diversity, equity and inclusion partner Trinal Inc. and more.
For more information about Amazon Rising, visit: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/exhibits/amazon-rising.
VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e6f6a895f626db8ab9e&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium