Maris Muzzy

Drawing on decades of experience working with Shedd’s beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and more, Maris Muzzy oversees the staff who cares for the cetaceans. As one of the world’s leading dolphin and beluga whale care facilities, Muzzy ensures the highest standards of care and well-being for these animals. Muzzy and her team of caretakers are responsible for optimal welfare through dynamic habitats, the highest quality nutrition and dynamic training and enrichment opportunities every day.

Muzzy has witnessed many births at Shedd and helped raise calves, as well as overseeing the continued development of the pods. The cetacean team participates in various research and conservation efforts like partnering with field researchers and other accredited organizations to validate research methods and create baseline data on species that can be applied to conservation of wild populations. In addition, they participate in important educational opportunities like animal spotlights that feature the natural behaviors and adaptations of these incredible marine mammals and how we build the strong bonds of trust between the animals and caretakers that is central to their health and well-being.