Quick-what animal has no bones, blood or brain? If you said sea jellies, you’re right. If you didn’t know the answer, it’s time to visit Shedd’s new exhibit on this underwater creature that fascinates kids and adults alike.
Beginning April 15, the original exhibit, “Jellies,” will take over the space currently occupied by the welcome center. More than 10 species of jellyfish, including translucent moon jellies and upside-down jellies, will be on display, with several species being brought in to join the three species already at the aquarium.
Aquarium spokeswoman Melissa Kruth says the impetus for the exhibit came from a close look at the Shedd’s social media buzz.
“On Flickr and YouTube, jellies were the most photographed and videoed of our animals,” she says. “They’re enormously popular and we’re very excited about the expanded exhibit.”
“Jellies” features plenty of interactive and educational elements, including learning how a jelly can devour enough food to double its weight each day and how sea nettles hunt by trailing their long tentacles and arms covered with stinging cells that paralyze prey on contact.
Jellies runs April 15 through May 28 at Shedd Aquarium.
