Fifth year of Banner Attendance means that Shedd remains one of the most visited Aquariums in the USA and Chicago’s top draw.
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago has further strengthened its position as the city’s premier cultural attraction with the news that more than 2.1 million 
guests attended the attraction last year. This made 2011 the best attended year for more than ten years, a record since the aquarium began keeping tabs on the figures.
“During a year of changing and challenging times, the entire Shedd Aquarium organization is extremely grateful for the continual support we receive from our extended family – guests, members, donors – that continues to make Shedd the World’s Aquarium, ” said Ted A. Beattie, president and CEO of Shedd Aquarium.
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“It’s encouraging to see that Shedd’s mission of connecting people to the living world resonates with millions of people.”
This mission appears to be helping ensure that the aquarium remains one of the most-visited attractions of its kind in the USA, as last year 65% of all guests visited at discounted rates. Shedd also regularly arranges free educational field trips for children and is committed to being one of Chicago’s “most accessible cultural and education organizations.”
2011 saw a number of previous exhibitions and shows reintroduced for the new season, as well as special new exhibit Jellies and a classroom challenge where students used 100% recycled materials to make wreaths. These were then used to decorate Shedd over the festive period.
Shedd Aquarium also puts on two buses per year to help ensure that disadvantaged schools are able to offer pupils field trips in 2011-2012. To do this, they have teamed up with ‘Target’, who has helped provide the financial assistance necessary to ensure the kids can see animals and how they live first hand.
“The best lessons are often taught through first-hand experiences, ” said Beattie. “Our learning programs help to bring the pages of science books to life for students, and ultimately create a lasting impact that can inspire future generations of environmental stewards – a critical part of our everyday mission.”
Now in its 81st year, Shedd is home to more than 32, 500 animals from almost 1500 species from around the globe.
