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Mission Statement
The Shedd Aquarium promotes the enjoyment, appreciation and conservation of aquatic life and environments through education, exhibits and research. |
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Institutional Position From the day it opened in 1930, Shedd Aquarium set a new standard for aquariums around the world. It was the first inland aquarium to maintain a permanent exhibition of both freshwater and saltwater fishes. It remains the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Opened in 1970, the Coral Reef Exhibit was among the first exhibits to represent a range of species living in a single habitat. With the opening of the Oceanarium in 1991, Shedd nearly doubled in size; even more important, its vivid recreation of the Northwest Pacific coastline became a model not only for aquariums, but for many natural history museums as well. Its popularity and reputation attract visitors from around the world, making it one of the most visited cultural attractions in the city of Chicago.
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Vision for the Future As "The World's Aquarium" continues to build its position of leadership, we will set an example through innovative approaches to animal care, exhibits, programs, education and management. Motivated by a tradition of excellence, global thinking and the responsibility for the care of one of Chicago's most valued public collections, our leadership is demonstrated by:
- Seeking dynamic discourse with and responding to our audience and communities
Ensuring a workplace environment of trust, respect and care
- Taking conservation action both globally and locally
- Helping others to understand and appreciate the unique and fragile relationship among people, aquatic life and their shared environments
- Thinking and acting strategically, including developing strong, collaborative partnerships both within the institution and among our peers
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Institutional Values These are the values we share as an institution and as individuals working here.
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Stewardship
We respect our role as stewards of the public trust as well as of the animals in our care. Our treatment and exhibition of animals, our educational programs, and our business practices follow the highest professional standards. We believe we have an obligation to practice as well as promote conservation of natural resources and to use our financial resources prudently. We are motivated by a drive to improve the quality of life through the cause we serve and to inspire others through our own sense of dedication and example.
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Quality
We strive for excellence and quality in all that we do, from providing the best possible experience for our audiences to demonstrating exemplary animal care to inspiring and implementing conservation practices. This commitment is at the very core of our success.
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Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We value honesty and trustworthiness. We expect integrity in both personal conduct and professional practices.
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Respect
Our management philosophy is based on the premise of trust and mutual respect. We encourage staff members to set good examples, provide meaningful feedback, and inspire and empower co-workers. We recognize that every job or role in the institution is important to our success, and we recognize individual and group achievements. We strive to foster an environment in which employees have flexibility in pursuing objectives, and in which people grow and flourish.
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