Construction Begins on New Integrated Aquatic Science Labs at Shedd Aquarium

WHAT: Last year, Shedd Aquarium announced a new strategic vision – its Centennial Commitment – that will accelerate the aquarium’s conservation efforts, make investments in communities across Chicago and restore and transform the aquarium’s historic home. Today, construction has begun to revitalize the aquarium, starting with the creation of a new home for science at Shedd.

The Integrated Aquatic Science Labs will form a new, state-of-the-art shared space for clinical care and conservation science at the aquarium. The new labs will centralize scientific spaces like the A. Watson Armour III Center for Aquatic Animal Health and Welfare hospital suites, Shedd’s Microbiome Lab and the Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation that are currently spread out across the building. These spaces will remain active and fully functional until the new labs have been created.

Shedd’s scientists, animal care team and field researchers will now work together in one spot at the heart of Shedd’s building, and in doing so, will maximize collaborations, expand the aquarium’s capacity to accelerate applied science and amplify the impacts of results.

Support for the Integrated Aquatic Science Labs has been provided, in part, by The Grainger Foundation. A video with more details about the new labs can be viewed and downloaded below.

STILL OPEN: The aquarium will remain open throughout all phases of construction, with plenty of ways for guests to connect with aquatic life. Shedd promises to be an exciting place to visit over the next several years as the experience continues to evolve with new exhibits, programs, events and aquatic interactions. Check out Shedd’s website for what’s new and how to plan a visit.

VISUALS: A video of Peggy Sloan, chief animal operations officer at Shedd Aquarium, celebrating the commencement of construction and introducing the Integrated Aquatic Science Labs can be viewed and downloaded here:

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Video credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtan