Sunday, July 31, 2011

Simply Amazing ………………………………by Pam Todd

Recently, our two daughters, our seven-year old  granddaughter, and I were in Chicago for four days.  One of the sites about which I was most excited was the Shedd Aquarium.  I had heard that it was a marvelous exhibit of river, swamp, and ocean dwelling creatures, as well as other species of animals, and after going there, must totally agree.

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There are fish from rivers in multiple countries and regions of the world.  I had no paper on which to take notes, and will not attempt to list all of them.  It amazed me that humans had been able to find so many fish of so many sizes, shapes and colors from Australia, to Southeast Asia, to the Amazon and Congo Rivers, and more.

Shedd aquarium one 

The coral reefs were gorgeous as were the fish who swam around them.  The sea turtles were graceful as they swam past the glass. 

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The manatees were beautiful, and the sharks were swift and sleek.  The jelly fish ranged from teeny tiny to large.  It was interesting to see the patterns of the lines at the top of their upside down bowl shape. 

This frog was standing right by the glass, as if to say, “Here I am.  Look at me!”

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There was a dolphin show focusing on how the training provided for the dolphins assists in their being cooperative when being cared for by the veterinarians.  Of course, they also did some jumps into the air and posed on top the water, much to the oohs and aahs of everyone watching!

 

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The white beluga whales worked with their trainers at the edge of the pool, and it was so nice to be able to see them so close.

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As we walked from exhibit to exhibit, reading as many of the informational signs as possible, I was overwhelmed thinking about the amount of knowledge and training involved in creating the appropriate environment for each of the creatures who reside at the Shedd Aquarium, and for their daily feedings, cleanings, and maintenance.  Even more overwhelming was to consider the thousands of different specimens that we humans were able to watch and appreciate as we visited the Shedd Aquarium.  Were it not for such places, few of us would ever know about or be able to see the tremendous variety of creatures who reside in the waters, swamps, and dry lands on the earth. 

This post written by Pam Todd, www.bagsandmorebypam.artfire.com, an animal lover, supporter of The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, and who hand crochets and sells items for people, pets, and homes in her ArtFire Studio.

2 comments:

Creative Critters said...

I was lucky enough to visit the Shedd Aquarium once on a trip to Chicago with a friend, and it was just AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing your trip- all those pics brought back some really great memories! =)
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Debra - Sew Bizzy Gifts said...

Sounds like an amazing place. Thanks for the photos and all the interesting info. Very enjoyable!