Something fishy going on

Photo: Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium

OCEANARIUM

Scaling back
The Shedd’s Oceanarium, a giant tank that houses beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins, closed for renovation in September. Many a mom and child lament its bygone morning choreographed dolphin shows.

Fish out of water
In a much reported-on airplane ride, four dolphins and seven whales were FedExed (for real) to Connecticut’s Mystic Aquarium. They’ll return in summer 2009.

Bait and switch
Marine lovers can still get their fill of fins. The Shedd started daily 10:30am diver presentations in the Wild Reef. While the sharks can’t shake it like Flipper could, you’ll watch them feed and learn about their maintenance.

Photo: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

SHARKS! AT STINGRAY BAY

Scaling back
Brookfield Zoo’s Sharks! at Stingray Bay suffered 16 stingray deaths this summer due to an equipment malfunction. It reopened, but closed for the season in September.

Fish out of water
The temporary exhibit runs in summertime only, and at the end of its duration, the stingrays migrate (via truck) to a toastier aquarium down south.

Bait and switch
Try the zoo’s permanent Living Coast, which contains fish, corals, sharks and a few stingrays. Indoors and impervious to the cold weather, the tank is viewable through underwater walkways.