Shedd Aquarium Offers Ways to Celebrate Shark Week
The Aquarium Continues to Advocate for Vulnerable and Misunderstood Class of Animals
July 08, 2021
Shedd Aquarium offers various ways to come eye-to-eye and learn more about sharks and rays during Shark Week (July 11 – July 18) and throughout the summer. The aquarium is home to 12 species of sharks represented in habitats across the building, including Kelp Forest, Caribbean Reef and Wild Reef.
Shedd encourages guests to change their perceptions around these vulnerable animals, which are often misunderstood and at risk in the wild due to human activity.
In this new, limited-time experience, guests can experience a live virtual tour with the sharks at Shedd from the comfort of their homes. Join the marine predators to witness the behind-the-scenes process of feeding the sharks in the Wild Reef exhibit. During this 40-minute tour, guests learn about meal preparation for the sharks, who all receive restaurant-quality seafood, and how the aquarists provide daily care for these majestic animals.
- Dates: Select Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. CST through August 2021
- Cost: $49.95 per person ($44.95 for members)/per zoom link
Shedd is offering extended hours on Wednesday evenings through the end of July. Explore the aquarium after work or school and visit with the sharks and rays – as well as many other aquatic residents. Advanced tickets for aquarium visits are required and available online or by phone.
- Dates: Wednesdays, July 14, 21 and 28 from 6-9 p.m.
- Cost: $39.95 per adult ages 12+/$29.95 Children ages 3 - 11; Chicago Residents $19.95 adults 12+/$14.95 children 3 - 11 (Members FREE)
Teens are invited to learn more about sharks through two virtual teen workshops with Shedd Aquarium. These workshops are organized to connect teens with the multiple shark species living at Shedd through discussions with experts, online games and other interactive activities. Generally, teen workshops are always a free and engaging way to connect with animals, peers and Shedd staff to discover new interests, engage in STEAM topics and investigate the aquarium world.
- Dates: Swimming into Shark Week on Wednesday, July 14 or From Sharks to Stingrays on Wednesday, July 28 from 4-5:30 p.m. CST
- Cost: FREE!
Join Shedd Aquarium for one of its week-long summer camps for learners K–5. Campers will explore the impressive world of aquatic animals, uncover amazing adaptations, meet animals up-close, explore Shedd Aquarium habitats, and participate in hands-on activities, outdoor games, crafts and more. One day of the program, Camp Shedd: Summer Splash will focus on Indo-Pacific animals in Wild Reef, home to many of the sharks living at Shedd.
- Dates: Weeks of July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Cost: $400 ($375 for members)
BACKGROUND: Few sharks or rays are a threat to people, and their size and behaviors can differ greatly (sharks’ lengths can range from 8 inches to 40 feet!). Several species of sharks and rays are apex predators at the top of the food chain and are necessary for keeping the marine ecosystem in balance.
There are around 1,000 species of sharks and rays globally. Of these 1,000 species, more than 100 are endangered, and even more, are a conservation concern. Learning about sharks and rays and their critical role in our ecosystems is one of the best ways to support their conservation, and Shedd’s many different activities can help guests learn about these important but often misunderstood creatures.
Want to make a difference for sharks and rays? Get actionable items delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for Surge, Shedd Aquarium’s digital conservation community.
VISUALS: High-resolution visuals of the sharks and rays at Shedd are available for download: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8e6b6b8d5f6576a8709f.
Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium.