As most nations all over the world are in lockdown status amid the worsening coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a group of penguins inside an aquarium located in the United States has taken advantage of the human beings' absence due to self-quarantine.
Even schools have been ordered the closure, social gatherings canceled, and travel restrictions implemented in the entire country. However, for the rockhopper penguins at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, this weekend that passed provided them with a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor outside the world they're used to.
Now that the building is closed to all guests, as part of the initiative to control the spread of COVID-19, the animals got their permission to leave their usual territory to dour and discover the whole aquarium. The aquarium told the Chicago Tribune that without visitors inside the building, caretakers are becoming more creative in how they can give the animals enrichment.
The Shedd Aquarium even added that introducing to these animals new experiences, foods, activities and more "to keep them active," is an encouragement for them to express natural behaviors, problem-solve and explore.
Taking Advantage of the Human Absence
In a video it posted on its Twitter account, Shedd Aquarium showed a penguin named Wellington. In this video, Wellington was seen peering into Black-barred Silver Dollar fishes. According to the aquarium, while there are still no guests coming in, they are taking advantage of the situation by continuing to celebrate birthdays of animals.
On its twee, the aquarium said, while they are closed to the public, the staff of animal care are onsite 24/7 to look after the living creatures. In fact, today is the giant river turtle named, Yam's 28th birthday. Today is also Evan's, an animal care specialist, birthday, today.
Additionally, in a statement the aquarium released via its website, it was announced its plan to close the building to the public until March 29. This, it explained, is for the best interest of its community's overall wellness for each other.
More so, the aquarium stated, while they were disappointed that they were unable to welcome guests to the aquarium at this time, they were "closing out of an abundance of caution" as their contribution to the social distancing initiatives in helping top the further widespread of COVID-19.
Lastly, the aquarium said it would keep on providing round-the-clock care for all its on-site animals.
Meanwhile, all restaurants and bars in Illinois have been ordered by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to close their respective establishments to the public until March 30. Officials of the state are working closely together with owners of restaurants, as well as the food delivery services to coordinate to that food businesses can keep their respective kitchens open food delivery.
Relatively, Gov. Pritzker has allowed curbside pick-up and drive-through at restaurants for the public's convenience, as well. As of this morning, reports have it that over 3770 infection cases and 69 fatalities had been validated in the US alone.
