Coronavirus: In absence of humans, penguins free to roam around aquarium to visit other animals
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium treats rockhopper penguins to rare stroll around outside of their enclosure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While much of the world heads into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, a group of penguins at an aquarium in the US have made the most of humanity’s retreat into self-isolation.
Schools have been closed, social gatherings banned and travel restrictions imposed throughout the country – but for the rockhopper penguins at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, this weekend brought a rare venture into the outside world.
With the building closed to visitors as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, otherwise known as Covid-19, the animals were allowed to leave their usual habitat to explore the rest of the aquarium.
“Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals,” the aquarium told the Chicago Tribune.
“Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours.”
In one video posted on Twitter by the Shedd Aquarium, a penguin called Wellington can be seen peering into the tank of a school of Black-barred Silver Dollar fishes.
The aquarium said it would also be continuing to celebrate animal birthdays.
“While we are closed to the public ... animal care staff are onsite 24/7 to continue looking after the animals, including celebrating birthdays! Today on #PiDay giant river turtle Yam turns 28 years old...and so does animal care specialist, Evan!” one tweet read.
In a statement released on its website, the aquarium announced it is planning to close to the public until 29 March “in the best interest of overall wellness for our community and for each other”.
“While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to welcome you to the aquarium during this time, we are closing out of an abundance of caution and to do our part in the social distancing efforts to help stop the further spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).”
The aquarium added it would be continuing to provide round-the-clock care for on-site animals.
Meanwhile, all bars and restaurants in Illinois have been ordered to remain shut to the public until 30 March.
As of Monday morning, more than 3770 cases of infection and 69 deaths had been confirmed in the US.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments