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Penguins Go On 'Field Trip' At Aquarium After It Was Closed To Humans

Penguins Go On 'Field Trip' At Aquarium After It Was Closed To Humans

The facility has been shut down due to the coronavirus, but it's allowing some creatures inside to stretch their legs

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Penguins have been let loose on an aquarium in America after the facility was closed to humans.

In a scene very reminiscent of the DreamWorks movie Madagascar, the little creatures were allowed to wander the aisles of the Chicago's Shedd Aquarium because no one else was around.

The zoo was closed this week because of the coronavirus outbreak, with health authorities warning people against unnecessary or non-essential travel.

While it means the animals won't get any visitors for a while, it gives some of the animals inside a chance to stretch their legs.

Shedd wrote on its social media pages: "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."

Shedd Aquarium

In another post, the aquarium added: "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!

"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 behaviours with."

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made an announcement on Friday last week that all public gatherings of 1,000 people or more had to be banned.

As as a result, loads of large-scale operations like zoos and concert venues had to close to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium told the Chicago Tribune: "Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals.

"Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours."

American president Donald Trump has updated guidelines for people amid the coronavirus outbreak.

People should avoid meeting in groups of 10 or more, as well as avoid bars, restaurants and food courts.

Mr Trump told a news conference: "It seems to me if we do a really good job, we'll not only hold the death down to a level that's much lower than the other way had we not done a good job, but people are talking about July, August."

So while you might not be able to visit a zoo or aquarium at the moment, at least we know that some of the animals are getting to enjoy a little more freedom.

Featured Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium/Twitter

Topics: News, US News, Animals