Shedd aquarium

Every year Shedd Aquarium welcomes 2 million guests for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, sea otters and a sea turtle—and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world.

But Shedd is more than a destination. Our scientists are saving endangered species and their habitats. Our animal care experts rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need, across the country and around the world.

Our conservationists are restoring the health of the Great Lakes. Our building operators are setting the standard for conserving water and energy. And our educators spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

We are recognized within our profession with accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, formal affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and certification by American Humane. And all our efforts have been directed toward achieving a world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it.

Dive in to learn more about Shedd Aquarium―the animals, the people and the place. We’ve been a part of Chicago since 1930. We have a proud history, a dynamic present and a vibrant future with a global outlook. And you can be a part of it!