CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium’s penguins are ready for love.
The aquarium’s rockhopper and Magellanic penguins are entering into nesting season, meaning people who stop by can see them building their nests and trying to attract other birds in the Polar Play Zone, according to the Shedd.
The aquarium has provided the penguins with nest-building materials — including rocks, pieces of hose and lavender — and now it’s just up to them to impress a mate and settle down together.
Male penguins typically build their own nests to attract a mate; but, once they’re paired, female penguins will help, according to the aquarium. Some males will steal rocks from other penguins’ nests.
The penguin couples might have an egg; if that happens, they’ll be responsible for incubating the egg, brooding and feeding their baby if it hatches, according to the aquarium. Not all eggs are able to develop into chicks.
People who want to see the penguins in their search for love can go by the aquarium, which is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Tickets can be bought online or in person.
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