Care and Conservation
From routine checkups for rescued sea otters to field research studying sanctuaries for Caribbean reef sharks, we’re committed to a world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it. Explore the depths of our work with animals, and discover how you can join us in taking action to protect them.
“Watching him grow right before our eyes and learn how to dive, vocalize and interact with enrichment was so gratifying after hearing and seeing what he went through. ”
Rochelle Pepper, Senior Animal Care Specialist
Committed to Animal Wellbeing
From sharks to sturgeon, the health and wellbeing of the magnificent and diverse aquatic animals in our care is our top priority. Our skilled team provides the highest standards of care with expertise and dedication both here at the aquarium and across our shared blue planet.
Animal Response Team
From stranded sea lion pups in California to trafficked tortoises in Madagascar, our experts are ready to help animals in need.
“We have research scientists both on site and around the globe advancing our understanding and protecting the natural world.”
Bridget Coughlin, Ph.D., President and CEO
Research
In the field and at the aquarium, Shedd scientists conduct research to better understand animals and their habitats. From the Great Lakes to the Caribbean, they work with partners to protect species from suckers to sharks.
Take action
From pledging to reduce plastic pollution to cleaning local waterways, there are many ways you can help to protect aquatic animals and their habitats!
Shaping policies to protect animals
Shedd’s policy and advocacy work harnesses the power of voices and votes to inspire decision makers to act to ensure healthy waterways.
Conservation Priorities
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Reduce plastic pollution
While performing beach cleanups and reducing our own plastic footprint, we encourage others to reduce dependency on single-use plastics, suggest alternative solutions and champion policies to reduce plastic at the source.
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Sustain global fisheries and inform consumer choice
Shedd Aquarium is addressing the challenges of declining fisheries by working with partners to advance sustainable fisheries through science and promote informed management through policy and engagement.
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Revitalize natural habitats altered by human impacts
We are investigating the consequences of human activities such as man-made barriers to fish migrations, invasive species and tourist-related wildlife feeding, while creating solutions that blunt their impacts.
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Understand and restrain invasive species
We embrace the challenges of mitigating threats by invasive species and engage the public to join us through community science and stewardship opportunities that restore habitat and hone best practices.
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Address wildlife responses to climate change
We are enhancing our understanding of the likely responses of animals to climate change to adjust management programs when appropriate, while also creating and testing innovative mitigation strategies.
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Connect people to nature
We provide opportunities for people to get their feet wet and hands dirty in a variety of long- and short-term community science opportunities like monitoring fish migrations, restoring local habitats and tagging sharks.