I don't know why you're quoting me here. I was responding to @PossumRoach questioning if there was something "wrong" with the old exhibit. I've expressed my disappointment in the decision several times before. I don't even disagree with you.
Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium
- Thread starter okapikpr
- Start date
I was commenting about how even the 'plan' is pretty bad because it means the potential Caribbean reef replacement will likely be itself replacing the freshwater galleries. A terrible plan in my opinion.
I think this sentiment has been expressed before, but it seems like Shedd is essentially 'gentrifying' its historic galleries. At least Brookfield is heading in the right direction.
I actually really like it. The lighting of the room and design of the top of these new tanks are beautiful and serve as a great introduction to the place. The Caribbean Reef was a great exhibit but in less than 2 years, we will have a larger replacement for it, which will allow for new species as previously noted and a larger space for the sea turtle.
The aquarium is still going two have 2 historic galleries for freshwater when all is said and done, plus the existing Amazon exhibit. This means hundreds of freshwater fish species, so I would not be too worried. I’d imagine they will after all this still have among the largest if not the largest freshwater collection on the continent.
The new ocean gallery will better deal with the large guest numbers than the existing galleries it will replace. Additionally it will be an upgrade in size for 2 of the aquariums best tanks the Caribbean Reef and Kelp Forest. It will also include a variety of smaller tanks for other species like octopus.
The whole claim about the aquarium gentrifying its spaces falls flat for me. They maintained the character of the aquarium with Wonders of Water. They kept the character of the building in the Amazon gallery. They actually will open up the historic lobby by moving the crammed entryway downstairs to previously underutilized space. And lastly will be keeping 2 historic galleries as is, with minor renovations. When this is done they will have more gallons of water than before and likely a similar number of species, but the aquarium will be better equipped for the crowds it already gets and the students it already educates.
The aquarium is still going two have 2 historic galleries for freshwater when all is said and done, plus the existing Amazon exhibit. This means hundreds of freshwater fish species, so I would not be too worried. I’d imagine they will after all this still have among the largest if not the largest freshwater collection on the continent.
The new ocean gallery will better deal with the large guest numbers than the existing galleries it will replace. Additionally it will be an upgrade in size for 2 of the aquariums best tanks the Caribbean Reef and Kelp Forest. It will also include a variety of smaller tanks for other species like octopus.
The whole claim about the aquarium gentrifying its spaces falls flat for me. They maintained the character of the aquarium with Wonders of Water. They kept the character of the building in the Amazon gallery. They actually will open up the historic lobby by moving the crammed entryway downstairs to previously underutilized space. And lastly will be keeping 2 historic galleries as is, with minor renovations. When this is done they will have more gallons of water than before and likely a similar number of species, but the aquarium will be better equipped for the crowds it already gets and the students it already educates.
I
In the lower graphic do you know what habitat the tree on top of the hill with the waterfall is meant to represent? That is an interesting exhibit layout.
ContraryPython
Active Member
It’s an upcoming gallery that’s supposed to represent river ecosystems. It’s called River Wonders
MOG2012
Well-Known Member
Was it based off of Mandai Singapore or is it just a coincidence? I feel like that enclosure could be for an Australian river, maybe the Mary or Murray river
CarnotaurusSastrei
Well-Known Member
Species lists for the Wonder of Water tanks are now accessible via the Shedd Go app. I might try to also draft up a separate post for the species lists of the aquarium as a whole, mostly just as a time capsule of sorts for potential future reference.
Wonder of the River (Habitat ID 210)
Wonder of the Reef (Habitat ID 233)
Wonder of the River (Habitat ID 210)
- Blackline Rasbora (Rasbora borapetensis)
- Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
- False Rummynose Tetra (Petitella georgiae)
- Galaxy Rasbora (Danio margaritatus)
- Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)
- Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
- Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)
- Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis)
- Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus)
- Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)
- Pygmy Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)
- Rainbowfish (Glossolepis sp.)
- Redtail Botia (Yasuhikotakia modesta)
- Redtail Sharkminnow (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
- Sawbwa Barb (Sawbwa resplendens)
- Siamese Flying Fox (Crossocheilus oblongus)
- Three-Lined Rasbora (Rasbora trilineata)
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)
Wonder of the Reef (Habitat ID 233)
- Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles)
- Bar-Eyed Hermit Crab (Dardanus sp.)
- Bird Nest Coral (Seriatopora guttata)
- Blackspot Angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos)
- Blue Photosynthetic Sponge (Collospongia auris)
- Blue Ridge Coral (Heliopora coerulea)
- Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)
- Branching Frogspawn Coral (Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa)
- Branching Hammer Coral (Fimbriaphyllia paraancora)
- Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)
- Bushy Gorgonian (Rumphella sp.)
- Button Polyps (Zoanthus sp.)
- Candycane Coral (Caulastraea furcata)
- Candycane Coral (Caulastraea sp.)
- Cat's Paw Coral (Stylophora sp.)
- Cespitularia (Cespitularia sp.)
- Chalice Plating Coral (Echinophylla sp.)
- Chinese Zebra Goby (Ptereleotris zebra)
- Clove Polyps (Clavularia sp.)
- Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
- Colored Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus)
- Colt Coral (Cladiella sp.)
- Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
- Coral (Montipora sp.)
- Corky Sea Fingers (Briareum sp.)
- Crescent Coral (Euphyllia sp.)
- Cup Coral (Turbinaria sp.)
- Double-Forked Sea Rod (Plexaurella sp.)
- Encrusting Coral (Echinopora lamellosa)
- Encrusting Gorgonian (Erythropodium caribaeorum)
- Finger Coral (Porites cylindrica)
- Finger Coral (Montipora digitata)
- Finger Leather Coral (Sinularia sp.)
- Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)
- Flamefin Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
- Flowerpot Coral (Goniopora sp.)
- Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus)
- Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
- Green Star Polyp (Briareum violaceum)
- Guadeloupe Sea Blade (Pterogorgia guadalupensis)
- Hairy Mushroom Polyps (Rhodactis sp.)
- Hector's Goby (Koumansetta hectori)
- Humpback Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
- Jeweled Rockskipper Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
- Joker's Cap Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens)
- Kenya Tree Coral (Capnella sp.)
- Knobby Sea Rod (Eunicea sp.)
- Leaf Coral (Leptoseris sp.)
- Leaf Leather Coral (Sinularia brassica)
- Lobed Leather Coral (Lobophytum sp.)
- Magnificent Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus)
- Maroon Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)
- Meat Coral (Acanthophyllia deshayesiana)
- Moon Coral (Favia sp.)
- Mushroom Anemone (Discosoma sp.)
- Nerite Snail (Nerita sp.)
- Octocoral (Muriceopsis sp.)
- Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi)
- Orange Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
- Orange Masked Tang (Naso lituratus)
- Organ-Pipe Coral (Tubipora musica)
- Peach Fairy Basslet (Nemanthias dispar)
- Powderblue Surgeon (Acanthurus leucosternon)
- Pulsing Hand Coral (Xenia sp.)
- Pulsing Xenia (Xenia umbellata)
- Purple Sea Fan (Gorgonia ventalina)
- Purple Sea Plume (Muriceopsis flavida)
- Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)
- Red Sea Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii)
- Red-Bar Anthias (Pseudanthias cooperi)
- Sandpaper Coral (Psammocora sp.)
- Scissortail Goby (Ptereleotris evides)
- Sea Fan (Pinnigorgia sp.)
- Sea Plume (Antillogorgia sp.)
- Slit Pore Sea Rod (Plexaurella nutans)
- Small Button Coral (Blastomussa merleti)
- Spotted Tang (Zebrasoma gemmatum)
- Star Coral (Favia fragum)
- Starburst Coral (Galaxea fascicularis)
- Tan Bushy Soft Coral (Plexaura sp.)
- Thick Stem Gorgonian (Pseudoplexaura sp.)
- Threadfin Cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha)
- Threadfin Seabass (Nemanthias carberryi)
- Toadstool Leather Coral (Sarcophyton sp.)
- Twinspot Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus)
- Twotone Tang (Zebrasoma scopas)
- Velvet Scroll Coral (Montipora capricornis)
- Venus Sea Fan (Gorgonia sp.)
- Whisker Coral (Duncanopsammia axifuga)
- Whitetail Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus flavicauda)
- Yellow Polyps (Parazoanthus gracilis)
- Zebra Angelfish (Genicanthus caudovittatus)
Northwest_FIsh_Keeping
Well-Known Member
Pretty interesting how all the freshwater species (with the exception of the Rainbowfish which are from PNG & False Rummynose which are from South America) are from Asia, but with Amazon Rising, it does make sense they'd lean away from South American species for this tank. Those Chinese Algae Eaters may cause problems in the future but I'm sure they've got that covered
The Saltwater species list is pretty sizeable, nothing exceptionally rare but it's always nice to see Achilles Tangs make an appearance. Some of those Coral choices are definitely interesting (the Xenia, Green Star Polyps, Clove Polyps, and a few others listed are heavily known for spreading too fast) so it'll be interesting to see how this tank evolves over the next few years. Could see a dominance of said species, but again I'm sure they've got that covered.
CarnotaurusSastrei
Well-Known Member
I imagine part of the reason behind why the freshwater tank features predominantly Asian species of fish is because they were previously held in the Rivers gallery
Northwest_FIsh_Keeping
Well-Known Member
Ohh that's a good point. Nice they could find a new home for the old residents.
I'd love to see what they end up doing for the Whalefall exhibit since it's always nice to see another "Deep-Sea" recreation. But if I had to guess since I don't know if they have any Japanese connections (and are obviously land-locked unlike Monterey Bay), I think it'll just turn out like most other Deep-Sea exhibits which look something like:
- Japanese Spider Crabs
- Japanese long spine Snipefish
- various Rockfish
- Pacific Hagfish (in the separate, smaller tank to the right in the concept art).
- Japanese Armorheads, Roughy, and Spotted Chimera would be pretty neat to see as well
CarnotaurusSastrei
Well-Known Member
Considering the Shedd's housed them relatively recently, I could also see deep sea isopods as a possible inclusion for the whalefall exhibit
Local_Shark
Well-Known Member
Damn, I didn’t know Shedd’s app was so detailed. That’s a great tip, thanks @CarnotaurusSastrei !
Northwest_FIsh_Keeping
Well-Known Member
Ohh good point, i can't believe i forgot about the most exhibited Deep-Sea species right next to the Spider Crab. I think Kansas houses them with the Spider Crabs but I might be wrong, but they could definitely go in either tank.
SeaOtterHQ
Well-Known Member
Technically Chicago isn't landlocked because it borders Lake Michigan and Shedd is right there by the waterfront. I get your point though.
And of course Shedd could surprise us. They are cooperating with Japan's Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (and Georgia Aquarium) on bowmouth guitarfish research and conservation. Okinawa keeps and has kept many rarities over the years, and their deep sea exhibit ranks with Fukushima and Numazu as Japan's best, so hopefully the collaboration will extend into other areas.
In more Shedd-related news, the aquarium has posted a video showing the evolution of their rotunda to celebrate Wonder of Water's opening. I haven't seen it in person yet, but based on all the pictures and videos thus far, I think it looks good.
Shedd Aquarium on Instagram: "The next chapter of Shedd’s historic rotunda is here: Meet Wonder of Water! Immerse yourself in two incredible habitats that show how water connects everything on our shared blue planet. Explore one of the largest planted freshwater habitats in the world, featuring 5,000 dazzling fish and over 50 lush plant species — some towering over seven feet! Discover vibrant coral colonies in stunning shapes and colors, home to a rainbow of 1,500 bold and brilliant reef fish. Peek into hidden worlds with interactive periscopes and enjoy the experience in both English and Spanish! Ready to be wowed?
Tap the link in bio to start your journey today!"Some other details about the exhibit:
Shedd Aquarium opens new Wonder of Water exhibit
So I was disheartened as many Zoochatters were at the announcement of Wonder of Water. I took it upon myself to see how many species there are new, or simply transplanted from other parts of the aquarium.
Wonder of Water
In total, there are 31 species in this area not kept in other parts of the aquarium, with 46 being kept in other parts of the aquarium. There are only 12 new species with this area. It's most likely a net loss as of right now. What I think they should have done is make the left freshwater tank a Southeast Asian tank, and the right saltwater tank a Caribbean reef tank, for smaller reef species.
Wonder of Water
In total, there are 31 species in this area not kept in other parts of the aquarium, with 46 being kept in other parts of the aquarium. There are only 12 new species with this area. It's most likely a net loss as of right now. What I think they should have done is make the left freshwater tank a Southeast Asian tank, and the right saltwater tank a Caribbean reef tank, for smaller reef species.
Northwest_FIsh_Keeping
Well-Known Member
Speaking of Caribbean species, i was a little surprised that no mention of the Bonnetheads that lived in the Caribbean Reef were mentioned by the Aquarium in the initial announcement. Thought they were being phased out at first but if you look very closely at the render for the Caribbean Tunnel, you can see multiple signs for the Bonnetheads thankfully. Interestingly haven't heard anything about the Atlantic Cownose Rays that were also housed there (i know they're housed seasonally in the touch pool) but I hope they'll make a return for the tunnel.(BTW if they're fully sticking to the Caribbean theme, they should be Aetobatus narinari Eagle Rays they should be getting in)
Also wonder if they plan to move the Black Tip Reef Sharks out of 'Wild Reef' since they do list them as a species for the tunnel, or if they'll just keep juveniles in there till they're big enough for Wild Reef.
TurningOfTheWheel
Member
I visited the aquarium yesterday and was rather impressed with the new entryway and pleasantly surprised by Wonder of Water. The exhibit is much bigger than it looked in the renderings, and the tanks themselves are rather artfully constructed and have plenty going on inside. Unfortunately, I don't think it's the kind of exhibit at which you could easily spend an hour like Caribbean Reef, and it's missing a real showstopper species that most people would want to stay and watch (cynically, you might say this was on purpose to maintain traffic flow through the area). Still, they're very nice tanks for drawing people into the rest of the aquarium, and I think they're architecturally quite visually appealing.
As for the baby beluga: they are still syringe feeding the calf with milk from Bella, who is the most recent (and at this point I believe only) other whale in the pod to have raised a calf. Trainers were expressing milk from her in the main pool in full view of the guests, which was very interesting to see.
As for the baby beluga: they are still syringe feeding the calf with milk from Bella, who is the most recent (and at this point I believe only) other whale in the pod to have raised a calf. Trainers were expressing milk from her in the main pool in full view of the guests, which was very interesting to see.
Visited the aquarium yesterday to check out the new additions from the last few months. I had my doubts, but Wonder of Water is a worthy successor to the previous iteration of the rotunda. I'll always miss the iconic centerpiece that was the Caribbean Reef, but by itself these new tanks are very well done. Both tanks have a unique shape that makes them appear larger in person and I was impressed by the stylish roof structure. While it lacks the grandeur of the previous display both in design and exhibited species, there's something neat about being between two large tanks that represent different environments. Signage isn't great, it's just small tablets on each side of the tanks, but with the Shedd Go app this is easier to forgive. Overall, a solid first impression for visitors. I've uploaded some photos to the gallery.
The Amazon Rising renovations were excellent as well. The new arapaima (and others) tank is a real star attraction that gathered a big crowd. An earlier post mentioned that the birds were gone, but rest assured they are all still there.
Construction on phase 2 of the centennial campaign has already gotten underway. The former Rivers, Lakes and Islands galleries have closed in preparation for Changing Oceans, as well as the old gift shop which will become the Lakeside Learning Studio.
The Amazon Rising renovations were excellent as well. The new arapaima (and others) tank is a real star attraction that gathered a big crowd. An earlier post mentioned that the birds were gone, but rest assured they are all still there.
Construction on phase 2 of the centennial campaign has already gotten underway. The former Rivers, Lakes and Islands galleries have closed in preparation for Changing Oceans, as well as the old gift shop which will become the Lakeside Learning Studio.
Thanks for the heads up, as me and some friends just agreed to visit next week. I was hoping we'd timed things perfectly to be visiting between the previous and next phase of construction but seems such a thing wasn't possible.
I visited today with some friends and we all had an excellent time. It was busier than expected though so a lot of my impressions were quick.
Amazon Rising is still a stand-out and the renovations have only improved the exhibit, mostly affecting the second hall of it. The new enclosures for electric eel and anaconda are really well done with some much improved signage. They did feel a little step above the older enclosures in quality. I definitely found the eels much more interesting in this setup than the older one and it's great the anaconda has more room to itself. The new arapaima habitat is fantastic and a real showstopper, although the giant fish were visible but not showy today, but it let the Giant Amazon river turtles star in the meantime. In regards to birds, I saw Hawk-headed parrots, Brazilian teal, Ruddy duck and Wattled jacana, the latter three in the same enclosure. All brilliant species in my opinion. It doesn't feel like anything has been lost in the changes, and I'm sure someone could find out something was, but I've not figured it out. I really feel like every time I visit the aquarium, I love this exhibit more.
I have obviously been critical here with Wonder of Water and sort of stand by my criticism -- my friends, who are not zoo nerds, agreed on missing the old reef exhibit's architecture at least. That said, I will echo @TurningOfTheWheel and @paychyderm pro that it is indeed far more impressive in person than it looks in photography or concept art. They are very well constructed and very full of fish and it's really cool to stand between them. I do take back my concern the live coral wouldn't be as stunning as it is on display and the freshwater tank is better than expected. I will make one fresh criticism, which is that the total lack of signage here is a colossal disappointment. There's plenty of empty space around the exhibit where signage could be installed. All that aside, I really do think it will grow on me over time, especially if I visit with smaller crowds later this year.
The new entrance is decent, fine. The new 'ticketing experience' felt a little flat for us and not special or smooth, the new gift shop seemed like a big improvement though. It does feel pretty open and that does help with traffic of course. Part of me feels like it's missing something but I couldn't figure what.
The Oceanarium and Wild Reef remain delightful highlights. I managed my first viewing of the Bowmouth guitarfish at the former, and a surprisingly clear sight on the Wobbegong as well. Felt like some of the groupers left? Also got to see some schooling behavior. It really is Shedd's answer to the many Open Ocean galleries. We also saw the Belugas feeding and active underwater and caught my first local dolphin presentation in years and while it was short it was more impressive than Indianapolis' presentation. Glad tail-walking is still in vogue. Not much luck viewing dolphins underwater. I wonder if they'll ever give the Sea Lion habitat glass or something instead of netting? It photographs so poorly.
The loss of Islands and Lakes, Rivers and Streams, the Reptiles section and the former Seahorses section did sting a bit though. For me personally, "Rivers and Streams" had some of my favorite freshwater enclosures and species in the facility including the fly river turtle, the paddlefish, the lungfish, the cichlids and so forth. I wonder if the turtle will return in the upcoming changes? I know the paddlefish and lungfish are mentioned. I do find it surprising that the decision appears to be to transform the Rivers/Islands and Lakes galleries into "Changing Oceans" and the Oceans/Great Lakes gelleries into the new "River Wonders" and "Living Lakes" galleries. I expected them to take up the equivalent spaces of the older exhibits.
Amazon Rising is still a stand-out and the renovations have only improved the exhibit, mostly affecting the second hall of it. The new enclosures for electric eel and anaconda are really well done with some much improved signage. They did feel a little step above the older enclosures in quality. I definitely found the eels much more interesting in this setup than the older one and it's great the anaconda has more room to itself. The new arapaima habitat is fantastic and a real showstopper, although the giant fish were visible but not showy today, but it let the Giant Amazon river turtles star in the meantime. In regards to birds, I saw Hawk-headed parrots, Brazilian teal, Ruddy duck and Wattled jacana, the latter three in the same enclosure. All brilliant species in my opinion. It doesn't feel like anything has been lost in the changes, and I'm sure someone could find out something was, but I've not figured it out. I really feel like every time I visit the aquarium, I love this exhibit more.
I have obviously been critical here with Wonder of Water and sort of stand by my criticism -- my friends, who are not zoo nerds, agreed on missing the old reef exhibit's architecture at least. That said, I will echo @TurningOfTheWheel and @paychyderm pro that it is indeed far more impressive in person than it looks in photography or concept art. They are very well constructed and very full of fish and it's really cool to stand between them. I do take back my concern the live coral wouldn't be as stunning as it is on display and the freshwater tank is better than expected. I will make one fresh criticism, which is that the total lack of signage here is a colossal disappointment. There's plenty of empty space around the exhibit where signage could be installed. All that aside, I really do think it will grow on me over time, especially if I visit with smaller crowds later this year.
The new entrance is decent, fine. The new 'ticketing experience' felt a little flat for us and not special or smooth, the new gift shop seemed like a big improvement though. It does feel pretty open and that does help with traffic of course. Part of me feels like it's missing something but I couldn't figure what.
The Oceanarium and Wild Reef remain delightful highlights. I managed my first viewing of the Bowmouth guitarfish at the former, and a surprisingly clear sight on the Wobbegong as well. Felt like some of the groupers left? Also got to see some schooling behavior. It really is Shedd's answer to the many Open Ocean galleries. We also saw the Belugas feeding and active underwater and caught my first local dolphin presentation in years and while it was short it was more impressive than Indianapolis' presentation. Glad tail-walking is still in vogue. Not much luck viewing dolphins underwater. I wonder if they'll ever give the Sea Lion habitat glass or something instead of netting? It photographs so poorly.
The loss of Islands and Lakes, Rivers and Streams, the Reptiles section and the former Seahorses section did sting a bit though. For me personally, "Rivers and Streams" had some of my favorite freshwater enclosures and species in the facility including the fly river turtle, the paddlefish, the lungfish, the cichlids and so forth. I wonder if the turtle will return in the upcoming changes? I know the paddlefish and lungfish are mentioned. I do find it surprising that the decision appears to be to transform the Rivers/Islands and Lakes galleries into "Changing Oceans" and the Oceans/Great Lakes gelleries into the new "River Wonders" and "Living Lakes" galleries. I expected them to take up the equivalent spaces of the older exhibits.