Shedd Aquarium has extended its virtual animal encounter opportunities through the end of January to continue to come eye-to-eye with aquatic animals from the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world digitally. These engaging, dynamic programs allow guests to meet some of their favorite animals while also connecting with the animal care team that cares for them so they can ask the experts questions in a live chat function.
Three Animal Encounters are Available:
During this 45-minute experience, meet a penguin up close and discover what makes these birds so amazing. Shedd’s animal care team will take you in the penguin habitat to learn more about how penguins are able to "fly" underwater, stay warm in cooler waters and much more!
- Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. through the end of Jan. 2021
Get up close and go behind-the-scenes during a sea otter play session. During the Virtual Sea Otter Encounter, watch them dive, hear them vocalize, observe as they socialize, learn how their sustainable, restaurant-quality food prep happens and so much more. During this live 35-40-minute experience, participants can explore their curiosities and learn interesting details about otters like how they have the densest fur of any animal, how grooming is critical, and how they eat 25% of their body weight daily.
- Dates: Fridays - Sundays at 11 a.m. and select weekdays through the end of Jan. 2021
While guests can sometimes spot California sea lions zooming around Grainger Sea Lion Cove in the Abbott Oceanarium, this program offers a deeper connection to these vocal mammals. During this 30-minute experience, you will meet one of the four rescued sea lions at Shedd up close and observe virtually in a session with our animal care team. Guests go behind-the-scenes to hear each sea lion’s unique rescue story, view their natural behaviors and learn more about their anatomy, diet and care.
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. through the end of Jan. 2021
Interested in winning your own Virtual Animal Encounter?
Click here for a chance at one of TWO chances to meet your favorite animals
the weekend of November 28th & 29th!
