The penguins of Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium have become internet sensations as videos of them exploring a now empty aquarium has gone viral.
It is clear that the penguins and other marine life were astonished to see each other for the first and probably last time.
Although most animals in zoos and aquariums seem to be having a good time with no humans around, the zookeepers who have to check them are facing new problems. With lockdown measures continuing on for weeks, some timid animals have begun to fear humans again – including their caretakers.
In Tokyo’s Sumida Aquarium, zookeepers now worry that their garden eels have forgotten about humans. These eels typically grow up to 15 to 16 inches (40cm) long, yet hide most of their bodies in the sand. They are known to be extremely shy as they lack any protection against their natural predators.
Sumida Aquarium has not accepted guests since March 1st. Virtually all aquariums, along with all other cultural facilities have been closed as they were deemed non-essential by the Japanese authorities. It is one of the largest aquariums in Tokyo and in Japan.
Typically, hundreds of guests and the garden eels would stare and get to know each other. Aquarists explain that this allowed eels to understand that humans were not dangerous predators. This sense of safety meant that the aquarists could examine the eels at a close distance to check for their health.
However, after having no contact with humans for 2 months, the garden eels seem to have forgotten about humans.point 217 |
Aquarists explained that the eels started hiding when they approached the tank to examine the eels.point 84 | Because of their frailty, aquarists can’t just pull the eels out to check as it will give great stress to the eels.point 184 | 1
To bypass this problem, the aquarium has came up with a digital solution. After setting up five tablets in front of the tank, the aquarium has asked people to have a Zoom conference in a “face-showing festival”. This event is to take place for 2 days starting on May 3rd.
The aquarium hopes that this event will help garden eels reacquaint themselves with humans. We hope the best for the garden eels. Share with us your thoughts on this story, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more news like this one.
Replaced!