Penguin Parades
By: Rachel
As many of you know, there are many changes happening throughout the world. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, daily life as we know it has become very different. People are stuck at home, trying to occupy themselves with whatever is around the house or busy with school work. Some businesses are changing to online purchases only, while others face the risk of going out of business. Fast food and restaurants are adjusting to drive thru orders only and tripling staff to accommodate. And lets not forget about the brave men and women who work in the health industry, braving the front lines of this all. But while us humans feel like we got the brunt of the blow, we are not the only ones experiencing uncertainty.
Due to the risk of spreading this virus, many zoos and aquariums have also shut down, only allowing staff members to be present. While this doesn't seem like a big deal, it is to the animals. Animals get enrichment from being on exhibit and having people watch them. With the stay-at-home order being issued, many animals are missing out on that opportunity, putting pressure on zookeepers and aquarists. In an interview with Chicago Tribune, the Shedd Aquarium shares, "without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals. [They are] introducing new experiences, activities, foods, and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviors" (2020). And boy are they clever.
Since people are not able to look at the animals, why not penguins? Some aquariums and zoos, such as Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, are taking their penguins off exhibit, and giving them a guided tour of their home and their fellow mates. Here we have little Wellington, one of Shedd Aquarium's rock hopper penguins, saying hello to the beluga whales. As you can see, this was not only a treat for Wellington, but also for the beluga whales who have never seen him before! While Wellington is having his adventure, two of his buddies, Edward and Annie, are also enjoying their field trip to see some fish, and even explore the main lobby!
This trend has taken social media by storm as caretakers from all over are posting videos of their penguins meeting their fellow zoo or aquarium mates. Here is St. Louis' colony of humboldt penguins taking a stroll and meeting other species of penguins at the zoo, as well as hitting up the gift shop for a quick souvenir.
These parades provide not only enrichment for the animals, but also serve as a pick-me-up for people who need a break from the world. And if these videos made you want more, many zoos have live streams of their animals so you can watch they play and hangout in their enclosure. So if you are having a rough day and are looking for a pick me up, your fellow animal friends are hear to bring a smile to your face. Just don't be surprised if you check in with the penguins and they are gone ;).
By: Rachel
As many of you know, there are many changes happening throughout the world. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, daily life as we know it has become very different. People are stuck at home, trying to occupy themselves with whatever is around the house or busy with school work. Some businesses are changing to online purchases only, while others face the risk of going out of business. Fast food and restaurants are adjusting to drive thru orders only and tripling staff to accommodate. And lets not forget about the brave men and women who work in the health industry, braving the front lines of this all. But while us humans feel like we got the brunt of the blow, we are not the only ones experiencing uncertainty.
("Coronavirus Closed Sign." CSA, 16 April 2020. www.chainstoreage.com)
Due to the risk of spreading this virus, many zoos and aquariums have also shut down, only allowing staff members to be present. While this doesn't seem like a big deal, it is to the animals. Animals get enrichment from being on exhibit and having people watch them. With the stay-at-home order being issued, many animals are missing out on that opportunity, putting pressure on zookeepers and aquarists. In an interview with Chicago Tribune, the Shedd Aquarium shares, "without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals. [They are] introducing new experiences, activities, foods, and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviors" (2020). And boy are they clever.
Since people are not able to look at the animals, why not penguins? Some aquariums and zoos, such as Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, are taking their penguins off exhibit, and giving them a guided tour of their home and their fellow mates. Here we have little Wellington, one of Shedd Aquarium's rock hopper penguins, saying hello to the beluga whales. As you can see, this was not only a treat for Wellington, but also for the beluga whales who have never seen him before! While Wellington is having his adventure, two of his buddies, Edward and Annie, are also enjoying their field trip to see some fish, and even explore the main lobby!
This trend has taken social media by storm as caretakers from all over are posting videos of their penguins meeting their fellow zoo or aquarium mates. Here is St. Louis' colony of humboldt penguins taking a stroll and meeting other species of penguins at the zoo, as well as hitting up the gift shop for a quick souvenir.
These parades provide not only enrichment for the animals, but also serve as a pick-me-up for people who need a break from the world. And if these videos made you want more, many zoos have live streams of their animals so you can watch they play and hangout in their enclosure. So if you are having a rough day and are looking for a pick me up, your fellow animal friends are hear to bring a smile to your face. Just don't be surprised if you check in with the penguins and they are gone ;).
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