Shedd Aquarium Employees Move In During NATO Summit

About 60 employees will stay for the weekend

The Shedd Aquarium's animals are getting some extra protection this weekend during the NATO Summit.

Though the aquarium has announced its closure from May 19-21, about 60 employees are expected to stay for the weekend to feed and take care of the 32,000 animals.

"Animal care is our top priority, it doesn’t stop," said museum representative Andrea Smalec.
 
Aquarium directors have been in contact with the Secret Service for months, Smalec said, ensuring that workers can stay at the aquarium during the summit.

Employees are especially concerned with a dolphin expected to give birth any day.

The 60 staff members staying the three days have been well-versed in emergency protocols and have various plans arranged if complications arise, Smalec said. 

The Shedd Aquarium will be open at regular hours on Tuesday, May 22, after the summit concludes.
 

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