[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SHEDD AQUARIUM CELEBRATES ITS OCEANARIUM'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 
John G. Shedd Aquarium as it celebrates the tenth anniversary of its 
world-renowned Oceanarium. Shedd's Oceanarium is the largest indoor 
marine mammal habitat in the world. More than 18 million visitors from 
Illinois and around the world have gained a better understanding of the 
environment and marine mammals by visiting the Oceanarium.
  Shedd Aquarium is an international leader in aquatic education as 
well as animal husbandry, care and training. The Aquarium spearheads 
numerous conservation initiatives, both locally and abroad, 
participating in animal rescue efforts and performing in-house studies 
ranging from sensory biology to animal health. Shedd will commemorate 
the Oceanarium's anniversary with a year-long celebration filled with 
exciting activities and never before offered behind the scenes 
glimpses, the unveiling of a new marine mammal show, chances to meet 
one-on-one with animal-care specialists and an opportunity to eat 
breakfast with the dolphins.
  The Oceanarium has contributed to the body of knowledge about marine 
life and enhances public understanding and appreciation of aquatic life 
and conservation. Shedd's participation in the North American 
Cooperative Beluga Breeding Program allows scientists to study the 
behavior of beluga whales and other animals that can't easily be 
studied in the wild, gaining a better understanding of whale biology 
and behavior. After seeing the beluga whales up close visitors to the 
Oceanarium gain a greater appreciation of the special nature of marine 
mammals and how humans impact their survival in the wild.
  On April 27th, Shedd launches a new presentation, ``Totally 
Training''. The ``Totally Training'' experience gives visitors to the 
Oceanarium the unique opportunity to watch marine mammal presentations 
evolve daily as the dolphins and other animals learn new behaviors. 
Shedd's marine mammal presentations educate by showing natural 
behaviors of animals--such as dolphins porpoising (jumping). After each 
presentation, Shedd's expert marine mammal trainers will be available 
to talk to guests one-on-one.
  Mr. Speaker, Shedd Aquarium's ``Oceanarium Turns 10'' celebration 
highlights a decade of achievements in conservation and education. 
Since its doors opened in 1991, the Oceanarium has been changing the 
way Chicagoans and the world think about the environment and marine 
mammals.

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