Sea Otter Encounter
This encounter is currently unavailable. View the list of available Extraordinary Experiences.
Meet a sea otter at Shedd Aquarium! In our new Sea Otter Encounter, you’ll get an up-close and personal look at Shedd’s sea otter program and assist with a playful training session alongside Shedd’s animal trainers. Opportunities in this participatory experience include handing the otter a favorite fish treat, feeling the dense fur and even touching a paw, all while safely behind an acrylic partition. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the world of sea otters firsthand!
Guests will receive a digital photo to commemorate their Extraordinary Experience.
VIRTUAL ENCOUNTERS ARE AVAILABLE
Highlights
- Go behind the scenes of the sea otter habitat
- Prepare a food or enrichment item for a sea otter
- Get up close and interact with a sea otter
Includes admission
A general admission ticket is included with the purchase of a Sea Otter Encounter. Participants have access to express entry to the aquarium, admission to all exhibits and a ticket to the next available aquatic presentation.
Requirements
Minimum age is 6 years old. Guests ages 6-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult, age 18 or older.
Guests will need to understand information and instructions given in English or arrange for a paying translator to participate.
A waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian for any participant 17 years or younger.
We recommend guests with shellfish and seafood allergies do not participate in this encounter.
Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-3355.
Program includes
- Use of stairs
- Crouching and kneeling
- Standing for 45 minutes
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Those in your party who are not participating in the experience are not permitted to follow along and are not allowed in the behind-the-scenes areas. Please arrange a time and place to meet with your party after your experience.
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Check in at the Northern Trust Suite (right side of Main Foyer) at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter. Late arrivals may not be able to join the encounter, in which case the experience is forfeited.
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All participants must be at least 6 years old, and children 6-17 must be accompanied by a paying participating guardian.
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Please wear comfortable clothing and something you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Be sure to wear rubber sole shoes- sneakers are recommended. For your safety, please do not wear heels or flip-flops on this tour.
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Pictures will be allowed at the appropriate time and will be guided by Shedd team members.
Gift certificates
Otter Encounters are an extraordinary gift idea! Purchase a gift certificate online, redeemable for Extraordinary Experiences, general admission, or membership. Or call us at 312-692-3355. Certain restrictions apply.
Pricing
Adults:$129.95
Child (6-11): $114.95
Members: $84.95
Entry
Participating guests should meet at the Northern Trust Suite on the day of their visit.
Questions?
Email us or call 312-692-3355 with questions. We are unable to take reservations by email.
Accessibility Needs
If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us in advance of your reservation.
Photography
Photography and video recording are not allowed during this experience.
Refund Policy
No refunds. Participants who need to reschedule may do so up to 10 days before their scheduled experience. Otherwise, date and time exchanges cannot be accommodated. For additional details, see our refund and cancellation policy.