May 18, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- After nearly nine months of being "on vacation," the Shedd Aquarium today announced the return of its beloved beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Alaska sea otters.
Shedd also welcomed some new animals to the Oceanarium family, including two California sea lions, temperate weather penguins, a new Pacific white-sided dolphin and several Pacific Northwest fishes.
"Animal care is our top priority and all of the animals travelled extremely well, thanks to the months of training we did with them beforehand. Whether by road, by air, or a combination of the two, we carefully planned each transport to ensure all animals traveled safely and quickly," said Ken Ramirez, senior vice president of animal collections and training. "It's hard to believe nine months ago our animals and their trainers went to other accredited zoos and aquariums and now they are back. We missed our animals and staff, and we are very excited to have all of them back home in Chicago. We are equally excited to welcome some new animals to our 'family' and can't wait for our guests to connect with all the animals in the Oceanarium on May 23."
Shedd has acquired two California sea lions from the state of Washington as part of a relocation plan to protect endangered salmon at the Bonneville Dam along the Washington/Oregon border. The two sea lions - named Otis and Biff - were named for places along the Pacific Coast where they live.
Pacific white-sided dolphin Ohana has arrived at Shedd from the Miami Seaquarium as part of the two accredited marine mammal organizations' support of the North American breeding cooperative. Ohana was born at the Seaquarium in 2006 and will remain at Shedd while Kri and Tique are away.
In further support of its mission, Shedd modified its penguin habitat and collection to feature temperate weather penguins. Shedd's 12 resident Rockhopper penguins, which spend considerable time in temperate climates, are now joined by eight Magellanic penguins.
For the first time, the Oceanarium will be home to dozens of fish. From anemome, octopus, jellies and isopods in the Polar Play Zone exhibit, to flounders, surfperch, sculpins and more in the South River estuary, Shedd's marine mammal pavilion is expanding its educational reach.
Opening Events
On May 23, Shedd reopens the Oceanarium doors to the public with a weekend-long celebration. Check Shedd's Web site for more details about the animal homecoming festivities: www.sheddaquarium.org.
Source:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6818251
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