Open 9 am - 7 pm (Late Close)
Volunteers prep food in one of the fishes kitchens.
A Shedd volunteer shows a turtle to a young guest.
A flavescent peacock cichlid, brightly patterned in blue and yellow.

Volunteer locations include

  • Amazon Rising: Volunteer with tropical freshwater animals, including fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals.
  • Galleries: Volunteer with species found in the iconic original Shedd building, native to rivers, lakes and oceans.
  • Quarantine: Volunteer in the first stop for any new animal arrivals, which can include freshwater fishes, saltwater fishes, amphibians and more.
  • Special exhibits: Volunteer in current special exhibit, live foods area, seahorses exhibit and smaller exhibits.
  • Wild Reef: Volunteer with sharks, live corals and other tropical saltwater animals.

What are the benefits of being a Shedd volunteer?

  • Admission to the aquarium and other cultural institutions
  • The chance to see how Shedd works behind the scenes
  • Gift shop and café discounts and discounted parking while volunteering
  • Helping to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.
  • Meeting a diverse group of staff members, volunteers and guests who share a passion for aquatic life