Dive Deep with Shedd Aquarium

We’re excited to announce our September charity! Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930 shortly after the beginning of the Great Depression as a gift from one of Chicago’s leading businessman and philanthropist, John G. Shedd. The not-for-profit aquarium offered residents a relief and aquatic experience with the first inland collection of freshwater and marine animals.

Shedd has since opened its doors and heart to various aquatic animals and has become a permanent home to threatened marine mammals, rare fishes, endangered sea turtles, and rehabilitated aquatic animals.

Among the favorite is Granddad, an Australian lungfish who arrived to the aquarium in 1933; Granddad is Shedd’s longest-lived resident and the oldest fish in any public aquarium or zoo in the world.

Beginning with Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, the aquarium established itself as an expert in caring for high-risk, high-maintenance babies with four motherless sea otter pups. This January, they welcomed their 10th rescued pup, Ellie, who was found stranded at only 4 weeks old.

Shedd’s Caribbean Reef is currently home to beloved green sea turtle Nickel, whose swimming had been impaired after being struck by a motorboat propeller. With help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Mission, Nickel was brought to Shedd in 2003, where she thrives with stronger hind legs, prepared “seaweed logs,” and “tickle treatments” from Shedd’s aquarists!

Shedd Aquarium extends its care for animals past its marble walls and our city through conservations programs and initiatives, partnerships with other rescue organizations, generations of families, and science and environmental programming for students.

Take a trip to your local aquarium—which just so happens to be one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and our charity of the month.
Don’t forget to bring a buoy-quet!

Photography ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez