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Shedd Aquarium Announces 2015 Shedd Adventures Trips

Shedd experience goes global with adventures to Fiji, Costa Rica, Canada and South Africa


CHICAGO – WEBWIRE

Shedd Aquarium, a renowned leader in animal care, conservation and education, announces its line-up for the 2015 Shedd Adventures travel program. Geared toward adventurers with a passion for wildlife, upcoming trips include Fiji, Costa Rica, Canada and South Africa.

Shedd Adventures are custom-designed programs for travelers and cater to their love of nature and the outdoors, curiosity about wildfire and wild places, and quest for personally meaningful travel,” says Cheryl Mell, senior vice president of global field experiences. “Our adventures are unique experiences that enable people to connect with nature and experience Shedd conservation first hand.” 

Each expedition is guided by a Shedd expert well-acquainted with the destination country. Focusing on animals and regions of the world that intrigue and inspire guests visiting the aquarium, Shedd Adventures provides opportunities to make a deeper connection to the living world. 

During the 2014 trip to Baja California, Mexico, participants had a rare opportunity to witness two live, 15-foot oarfish. The fishes are almost never seen alive – typically, they are only sighted when washed-up on shore.

“As the trip leader, I can honestly say that Shedd Adventures gives our guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most diverse and exciting animals in nature,” says Tim Binder, vice president of collection planning. “The rare oarfish sighting is just one example of how thrilling these trips are.” 

Packed with activities catered to experiencing wildlife and wild places – from whale watching, kayaking and snorkeling, to participating in Shedd’s conservation fieldwork – adventurers will fulfill their quest for meaningful travel and create memories of a lifetime.

Each household with a Shedd Adventures traveler receives a complimentary Sponsor-level Shedd Aquarium membership

2015 TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

Dive Fantastic Fiji
Dates: April 10-19, 2015
Approximate Cost: $3,035 per diver, based on double occupancy; other rates available with or without diving and airfare
Details: Travelers on this trip will spend five days experiencing some of the finest diving in the world, with pinnacles, walls, atolls and swim-throughs, populated by a rainbow of soft corals, arches of gorgonians and “tornadoes” of reef fishes. No experience is required; diving will be taught by a professional dive center, and non-divers can take advantage of daily snorkeling trips to the inner and outer reefs. The trip will be guided by Mark Schick, special exhibits collection manager. Schick has more than 25 years of experience with marine aquariums and has been active in the field in an international coral reproduction and conservation project.

Costa Rica for Families
Dates: June 20-29, 2015
Approximate Cost: $3,298 per person, based on double occupancy; reduced child rates based on age (excludes airfare)
Details: A trip tailored to the entire family, including grandparents, parents and children, travelers will participate in adventurous activities like whitewater rafting and boat excursions in the rainforests. Participants can also take a rainforest canopy walk, tour a cloud forest via zipline and watch sea turtles nest. Travelers will have the chance to see a variety of animals, including birds, monkeys, sloths and frogs. Children must be seven or older to participate. Dr. Chuck Knapp, vice president of conservation and research, will lead the trip. An expert in Caribbean iguanas and conservation science, Knapp has more than 15 years of experience in leading natural history and citizen science trips.

Canada’s Maritime Provinces
Dates: Aug. 28 – Sept. 4, 2015
Approximate Cost: $3,995 per person, based on double occupancy (excludes airfare)
Details: Located in one of the most breathtaking seaside vistas in Canada, the trip offers travelers unparalleled whale and bird watching opportunities. Participants will enjoy a cruise across the Bay of Fundy, visiting 17th- and 18th- century towns that have become a part of this enduring landscape. The trip also includes vineyard and distillery visits. The trip will be guided by Jim Robinett, senior vice president of external and regulatory affairs. With more than 37 years of experience at Shedd, Robinett has participated in beluga whale research and sea otter rescues and has led many Shedd natural history trips.

South Africa: The Big Five of Sea and Land
Dates: Sept. 29 – Oct. 11, 2015
Approximate Cost: $7,995 per person, based on double occupancy (excludes airfare)
Details: Near the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, travelers on this adventure are able to catch a glimpse of the aquatic Big Five: southern right whales, great white sharks, penguins, Cape fur seals and dolphins. Travelers also will participate in conservation projects while visiting Shedd’s partner in rehabilitation, the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds center. Among other destinations, guests will travel to Kruger National Park, where they will see the land Big Five: elephants, white rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo. Tim Binder, vice president of collection planning, will lead the trip. A scientist with extensive experience with marine fishes, birds and mammals, Binder is active in rescue projects in South Africa.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Shedd Adventures b-roll, promotional footage and other resources can be found on Shedd’s FTP site:
https://backup.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8c71638c5f677076aea0

Shedd Aquarium is supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. Shedd Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).



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