Chicago aquarium takes penguins to seafood restaurant, hopes to spread awareness of environmental campaign

A small group of penguins got to spend a night at a seafood restaurant in Chicago, and it was all done for a good cause.

The Shedd Aquarium scheduled a visit to Shaw’s Crab House for its three Magellanic penguins, Tilly, Dolores and Olivia, which took place during Chicago Restaurant Week. (Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez) All the penguin ambassadors were able to waddle around the restaurant and receive the physical exercise they needed, according to Shedd Aquarium. ​​(Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez) All three penguins were able to waddle around the restaurant and receive the physical exercise they needed, according to a press release issued last week. The one-time event was a collaborative effort that promoted the city’s annual restaurant celebration and the aquarium’s sustainability campaign, called "Let’s Shedd Plastic." The Let’s Shedd Plastic campaign aims to encourage businesses and residents to scale down on single-use plastics. According to the Chicago aquarium, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a 30% increase in waste due to the population’s use of disposable masks, carryout containers and delivery packaging.