Penguins from the Shedd Aquarium recently paid a visit to Soldier Field. (Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium)
With Chicago’s museums once again closed to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Shedd Aquarium has resumed its popular penguin field trips.
The birds’ latest destination? Nearby Soldier Field.
Izzy, Darwin, Tombo and Charlotte waddled onto the turf and got in a workout before hitting the locker room. Could they be the secret weapon the Bears need to take down the Packers during Sunday’s upcoming showdown between the archrivals? Only if the Bears hope to distract Green Bay’s QB Aaron Rodgers with cuteness.
The Shedd's penguins looked right at home on the gridiron. (Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium) Checking out the Bears' locker room. (Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium) Field trips are beneficial to penguins' welfare and also are a way for the aquarium to connect with the public while its doors are closed. (Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium)
All kidding aside, the field trips, which have also included past jaunts to the Field Museum and MCA, are important for the birds’ welfare, providing them with variety — new sounds, smells and sensations — and exercise, according to aquarium staff.
Sharing the penguins’ trips is one way the aquarium remains virtually connected with the public while it’s physically closed, a spokesman said.
Essential staff continue to work on-site at the Shedd, caring for the aquarium’s 32,000 animals. Follow Shedd’s social media pages for updates.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
