Categories: Entertainment and Attractions

Museums & More: John G. Shedd Aquarium

Author: Amy Kistner

INTRODUCTION 

The award-winning John G. Shedd Aquarium has been giving Chicagoans and visitors alike a glimpses of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic mammals from all over the world since it first opened its doors in 1930.

Since, it has expanded into one of the world's largest aquariums. It even features one of the world's oldest fish, an Australian lung fish named Granddad, who has been a resident of Shedd since 1933. The Shedd also offers visitors to the Oceanarium a unique view of Lake Michigan. It was built in such a way that it seems to expand right into the lake and bacome a part of it.

The Shedd is expanding again in 2008 in order to bring more creatures and exciting new exhibits into the public eye such as "Lizards and the Komodo King" special exhibit that will be going on through summer 2008.

HISTORY

Since its beginning back on May 30, 1930, the Shedd has been bringing visitors a glimpse of creatures and habitats that many of them will never see first-hand.

At the time the idea of the Shedd was first advanced, many of the major cities in the U.S. already had their own zoos and aquariums. Chicago already had the Lincoln Park Zoo with its own substantial freshwater fish collection, but Chicago did not have a stand-alone aquarium.

John G. Shedd, the retired president of Marshall Field & Company, put up the first $2 million to begin the project and make the Shedd a reality. He also put up another $1 million to make sure that the Shedd would have the same level of quality as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, already in Grant Park.

Through Shedd's hard work and dedication, he gathered a group of people known as the Shedd Aquarium Society. Ground was broken on Nov. 2, 1927. In December, 1929, Chicagoans got a sneak peek of the aquarium, which only had one exhibit that included freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians.

However, Shedd himself did not live long enough to see his dreams come to fruition. His widow, Mary R. Shedd, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony on opening day in 1930.

The Shedd, as it is lovingly nicknamed, now has more than 25,000 animals housed in numerous exhibits and habitats, quite a difference from its humble beginnings. It receives more than two million visitors per year from all over the world.

EXHIBITS

Lizards and the Komodo King
If you do not believe in dragons, you just might after experiencing the "Lizards and the Komodo King" exhibit. Visitors are invited to meet more than 25 rare and exotic lizard species, including the Komodo dragon, shield-tailed agama and Madagascar day gecko. Guests learn about the lizards, their habitats, conservation, and the environment as they explore the earth through the eyes of a reptile. This special exhibit, which first opened in April 2006, has been such a hit that its stay has been extended until September 1, 2008.

Be sure to really look in each lizard's area. They really like to hide sometimes, but there should be no problem finding the Komodo dragon, named Faust. Weighing approximately 170 pounds, he is on loan from the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas where his brother Dante is also housed.

Besides seeing the animals in their natural habitat, the exhibit has many other interactive challenges throughout the exhibit. Each is designed to teach a lizard fact in a fun and engaging way.

The exhibit will be temporarily closed June 2-June 14 due to construction happening near the exhibit, but will reopen and continue through its duration.

Wild Reef Sharks at Shedd 
Only five inches of glass separate visitors from the sharks and rays who come out to play in this awe-inspiring exhibit. Creatures invite visitors to see them in a place few get opportunity to visit ... the coral reef. Look closely or some of the creatures might be missed. Some, like rays, are bottom dwellers who like to blend in with their environment.

This habitat, which contains 400,000 gallons of water and 20 different habitats, houses sharks such as the Zebra shark, Sandbar shark and Black-tip Reef shark as well as about 500 other species of sea creatures. It also contains the Midwest's largest live coral display that is open to the public.

Amazon Rising
Come explore the world of the Amazon River as the river and its creatures adapt from the dry season to the monsoon season and back. See Dwarf caimans, a relative to the alligator, as well as the Mata Mata turtle that resembles a pile of leaves. Be sure to look for the speckled fresh-water sting rays. These creatures love to be bottom dwellers, but be careful not to step on them. These guys will lash out with their powerful stingers.

This exhibit gives viewers a unique opportunity. As the water level rises and falls over the course of the Amazon year, both the scenery and the creatures change. The water level in the exhibit tops out at six feet during the rainy season. With huge piranha swimming in their natural habitat as well as the massive arapaima, the world's largest freshwater fish, which can grow to be ten feet long and weigh up to 330 pounds. Some of the creatures in this exhibit camouflage themselves quite easily, especially creatures like the Mata Mata turtle and the Green Anaconda, so be sure to look carefully at each stage in order to see them all.

Oceanarium
Throoughout the day, visitors can experience a live marine mammal show which stars the Pacific white-sided dolphins. The dolphins show off natural moves which they practice regularly in the wild, including breaching, spy hopping and tail walking. This is one show that should not be missed.

Construction has begun in order to expand Shedd's massive three-million gallon salt water habitat. Because of this, the creatures that normally inhabit this habitat will be temporarily moved to other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure their safety during the construction phase.

Caribbean Reef
Throughout this exhibit, encounter many different creatures one would see if exploring the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea. You have undoubtedly heard of theater in the round, but this takes it to a higher level -- or maybe a lower level. This habitat is natural theater at its finest, an underwater experience with favorite sea characters sharing the stage. Within this 90,000-gallon habitat, there is a 360-degree view of sharks, eels, rays, turtles, angel fish, and many more. Watch divers interact with them all.

The Shedd divers do presentations at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30  p.m., and 3:30 p.m. everyday. Visitors can even talk to them and ask questions about the animals thanks to an underwater communication system.

Waters of the World
Brace yourself for an exciting adventure through 90 of the world's water habitats including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. See creatures from the giant octopus to coral shrimps and aquatic wildlife in between! It is broken up into six categories: the oceans gallery, local waters, islands and lakes, rivers, seahorses, and frogs.

This exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into the life aquatic that can be found in each of these different water environments. SOme of the fish in this exhibit are as big as your head; some are even bigger. Be sure to check out the sea dragons. These odd-looking creatures appear as floating pieces of kelp to discguise themselves from predators.

How to get there

Hours of operation

Ticket prices

INSIDER TIP: To get the most bang for your buck, a membership may be the way to go, especially if one has a large family or plans on making several trips to the Shedd during the year. Memberships start at $80 for individuals and $125 for families. Also, be sure to arrive early because Shedd is pretty popular attraction and can get very crowded quickly. 

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