Chicago's Shedd Aquarium Evacuated Following Power Outage

Aquarium houses more than 32,000 animals representing 1,500 species.

July 5, 2012

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, has been evacuated due possibly to a heat-related power outage, according to a news report in the Chicago Sun-Times. The temperature at Northerly Island where the aquarium is located was 101 degrees Fahrenheit at 1 p.m. Central Time July 5, 2012, and as a safety precaution, the aquarium was evacuated. Back-up generators are currently providing power to the aquarium's exhibits and inhabitants. There is no word on when the aquarium will reopen, but evacuated guests received a complimentary pass to return once the aquarium reopens its doors. On Monday the aquarium was host to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who signed a law at the aquarium banning the sale trade, or distribution of shark fins in the state.

The Shedd Aquarium houses and cares for more than 32,500 animals (1,500 species represented) and reaches more than 2 million visitors each year. It opened in 1930 and is located on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Read some tips here on keeping aquarium fish alive during a power outage or other disaster.