CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Tyson has no plans to stop exploring the Shedd Aquarium and meeting his fellow animal friends.
The 5-year-old prehensile-tailed porcupine had a “field trip” to the penguin habitat. A few days later, his caretakers took him to see our veterinary staff for his regular health check-up. Animal care staff took extra precautions since the patient is covered in needle-sharp quills.
He received a clean bill of health from the aquarium’s veterinarian team at the onsite hospital, A. Watson Armour III Center for Aquatic Animal Health and Welfare.
The penguins aren’t the only animals taking field trips around the aquarium! Tyson the prehensile-tailed porcupine visited the penguin habitat while munching on a hard biscuit, which helps file down his constantly-growing teeth. pic.twitter.com/X2PpEHt1L3
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium)
March 19, 2020 During Tyson’s routine physical exam, Shedd’s veterinary staff gave him a full workup from head to toe. Experts documented his length and weight, checked his eyes, collected and tested a blood sample, and performed dental cleaning and trimming. For safety and comfort, he was anesthetized or sedated throughout the examination, the aquarium said.
The prehensile-tailed porcupine is covered in quills ranging in color from black and white to yellow. They are native to Central and South America and as a nocturnal animal are found sleeping during the day in the tree hallows or branches or scavenging at night, though his routine was a bit disrupted this week, as he explored the aquarium.
While we sit at home and wait out the coronavirus pandemic, animals at the Shedd are exploring the aquarium for the first time and letting loose. On Saturday, penguins took to the Wild Reef exhibit and said hello to some new friends. And last week, the penguins visited the Amazon exhibit, which rejoiced many people on social media as the world quickly changes.
Where's Wellington now? -- This little rockhopper took a tour of Shedd's Wild Reef...and he's not alone! A few of the Magellanic penguins that call Shedd home joined this penguin party, checking out this massive habitat. pic.twitter.com/NcKkOtGdPw
— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium)
March 21, 2020
