In May of 2009 I had the opportunity to go to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL. I knew at the time that I wanted to do a photo spread for this site so people around the US could get a little peek into other public aquariums around the U.S. At a cost of $24.95 for an adult ticket, I enjoyed my time at the aquarium. The day I went the penguin and dolphin exhibits weren't open, so if you're planning a trip you may want to call and confirm if any of the exhibits are closed.
The aquarium has a nice array of animals, from reptiles and amphibians to saltwater and freshwater exhibits galore. There are two areas that will excite Reef Addicts in particular. The 360º Caribbean Tank and the Wild Reef area exhibits.
Wild Reef is a very well thought out exhibit. The most impressive thing to me was that the aquarium didn't stop at the edge of the tank. They used artificial corals and rock to cover the walls and the ceilings all around the reef area to make you feel like you were walking through an underwater cave yourself. The reef tanks themselves were well cared for and mature. Shedd Aquarium pulled out all the stops when it came to jaw dropping room-sized tanks. First is the huge fish tank room that envelopes you from top to bottom in beautiful tropical colors and healthy fat reef fish. This room is topped off by a peek-a-boo portal on the ceiling. If you're lucky you may see a few fish making their rounds up there as well. The second massive tank is the shark tank. Over 180º of crystal clear blue water teeming with predators of the deep wrap around you in this expansive room. One side houses a smaller ray tank in the floor.
Upstairs you'll find the Caribbean Reef, Shedd’s award-winning 90,000-gallon circular habitat in the grand rotunda. This 360º reefer's dream houses a sea turtle, massive parrot fish, sharks, rays and more. I happened to arrive during feeding time and got to watch a diver suit up and hand-feed fish bigger than his head.
Other exhibits that get a honorable mention from me personally are the tree frogs and seahorses. They had a wide variety of livestock and enclosures for you to gawk at (and photograph).
Hopefully one day you'll find yourself in the lovely city of Chicago and be able to visit this wonderful aquarium yourself. I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing your stories... as every time I go somewhere I know I take something new and exciting away with me.
Below is a nice promotional video produced by the aquarium of some of the other highlights I missed out on that day.
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