The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium located in Chicago, Illinois. It was opened on May 30, 1930, and was the first inland aquarium to have a permanent saltwater fish collection. The aquarium is home to over 32,000 aquatic animals from 1,500 different species.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium is the Oceanarium, which is the largest indoor marine mammal exhibit in the world. The Oceanarium houses Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions, and penguins. Visitors can watch these animals swim, play, and interact with their trainers during daily shows.
The aquarium also features exhibits that showcase the diversity of aquatic life from different parts of the world, such as the Amazon Rising exhibit, which features species that are native to the Amazon River and rainforest. Other exhibits include the Caribbean Reef exhibit, the Waters of the World exhibit, and the Polar Play Zone, which focuses on animals that live in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The Shedd Aquarium is committed to conservation and education. It has several programs that aim to educate visitors about marine life and the importance of conservation. The aquarium also participates in various research programs, such as the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program, which aims to restore native fish populations and improve water quality in the Great Lakes.