WATCH: Penguins excitedly roam around aquarium following temporary closure
- Publish date
- Tuesday, 17 Mar 2020, 12:43PM

If this doesn't put a smile on your face today, we don't know what will.
When Chicago's Shedd Aquarium was temporarily shut down to humans due to Covid-19, the staff decided to let penguins enjoy the attractions on offer!
The moment the group of Rockhopper penguins "went on a field trip" and met some of their neighbours at the aquarium was caught on camera, much to the delight of the internet.
Posting to Twitter, the aquarium shared a video of Wellington, one of the rockhopper penguins, meeting the Amazon fish.
Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD
Even the couples got out and about!
The adventure continues! 🐧🐧
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
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
The aquarium plans to stay closed until March 29, and many Twitter users have asked for more fun animal videos in the meantime.
In response, the Shedd promised to plan "even more creative activities for the penguins and other animals."
While we are closed to the public until March 29, 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! 🐢🥧 pic.twitter.com/068wcmrn6E
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 14, 2020
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