The Shedd Aquarium’s new “Wonder of Water” exhibit opened this month to replace the Caribbean Reef exhibit. The new exhibit includes two 28,110-gallon tanks that feature both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems, including 5,000 fish and 50 variations of underwater plants in the freshwater tank, and 1,500 colorful fish along with a vibrant coral reef in the saltwater tank, reports Block Club Chicago.
“When you think of an aquarium, a lot of people think about salt water. They think about corals and brightly colored tropical fish, and fresh water doesn’t get thought about as much,” said Sarah Aman, an exhibit designer at the aquarium, reports Block Club Chicago. “We’re here on the shores of Lake Michigan, which is a gateway to the Great Lakes, one of the biggest freshwater systems in the world. We really wanted to elevate that story in this space and give a nod to both marine and freshwater systems.”
“I’m really excited to just watch it evolve into a natural ecosystem, like we get to see on a brand-new reef,” added aquaculturist Noel Heinsohn, reports Block Club Chicago. “We’re getting to watch evolution that takes place over hundreds of years happen in just a few years here at the Shedd.”
The exhibit is part of the Shedd’s $500 million Centennial Commitment initiative, and took over five years from concept to opening. Visitors can enjoy close up views of both tanks through periscopes throughout the exhibit, as well as participate in interactive programs.
“Water is the reason all of this biodiversity can happen on our planet. It’s the reason that we exist. It’s the reason these animals exist. And we want to be able to create a moment where people are in awe of that,” Aman adds, reports Block Club Chicago. “We should never underestimate the power of awe.”
Visit sheddaquarium.org.
PHOTO: SHEDD AQUARIUM
