Chicago: Penguins at the Shedd Aquarium have been let to roam around and explore their surroundings after it shut its doors to the outside world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 32-year-old penguin named Wellington and his friends were allowed to experience life on the outside of their confines, as they went on an exciting trip, which included a visit to Shedd’s underwater viewing area, home to a number of beluga whales.
Posted by Shedd Aquarium on Sunday, March 29, 2020
The aquarium posted videos of the happy penguin and his pals visiting the three belugas named Kayavak, Mauyak and little Annik during the weekend.
“They may have met some animals at the aquarium that are just as curious as they are,” the museum wrote.
Posted by Shedd Aquarium on Sunday, March 29, 2020
The belugas suddenly stopped their swim to take a look at the happy penguins.
Posted by Shedd Aquarium on Sunday, March 29, 2020
“The whales, including Annik the calf born last year, collectively gathered at the window to take in Wellington and the other birds, who stared back as they waddled back and forth,” the aquarium said.
Posted by Shedd Aquarium on Sunday, March 29, 2020
Belugas live in the northern hemisphere, so the nature of the penguin is foreign to them as all species of penguins live in the southern hemisphere.
The adventure continues! 🐧🐧
This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different! (1/3) 👇 pic.twitter.com/VdxN3oQAfe— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
“That being said, the latest penguin field trip seemed just as enriching for the belugas as it was for the birds,” the aquarium said.
Penguins like Edward and Annie will begin to build their nests next week. Join us digitally for nesting coverage! In the meantime, we will be sharing lots of different animal updates (and yes, Wellington will return!) 🐧👀 (2/3) pic.twitter.com/eCYKOwdOMz
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
Aren’t they cute?
While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd. Our caregivers are constantly providing new experiences for the animals to explore and express their natural behaviors with. Let us know what penguin activities you would like to see! (3/3) pic.twitter.com/ftlow7iPHl
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
And here’s Wellington meeting his new friends.
What are your thoughts on this unlikely encounter? Let us know by joining the conversation in the comments and please share this article if you enjoyed it.
