It is not always pleasant to be an attraction and constantly observed. I bet penguins at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago have always wondered what it’s like to explore, instead of being explored, and their wish finally came true!

There are two species of penguins at the aquarium, rockhopper, and Magellanic. Apart from their size and coloring, they also differ in the way they move. While Magellanics waddle, rockhoppers tend to hop or bounce from place to place instead.

As the building was closed to visitors to prevent the spread of the novel virus, a group of rockhopper penguins was allowed to leave their habitat, explore the rest of the aquarium, and meet other animals.

The aquarium stated:

“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 behaviors.”

They posted a video of one of the penguins, Wellington, on Twitter, and he can be seen meeting some fish in the Amazon exhibit.

Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴

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

— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020

Others went to meet other animals, but “Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising” and “the black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor.”

The video brighten up the day of numerous people!

In another post, Shedd 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 behaviors with.”

The aquarium plans to be closed until March 29, due to an “abundance of caution” following the COVID-19 outbreak, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close to the public until then.

Enjoy the freedom, adorable fellows!

Sources:
www.ladbible.com
www.comicsands.com
www.sheddaquarium.org
Video source:  Guardian News