To accomplish the upgrade, the Shedd had to drain 3 million gallons of saltwater and relocate all the Oceanarium's animals to accredited zoos and aquariums, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.
"It began as a project we called 'scrub the tub,'" said Shedd spokesman Roger Germann. "After 17 years, it was in need of a good cleaning."
Germann said the entire life-support system has been upgraded with new filters, tubes and tanks.
The underwater gallery has been redesigned as a permanent children's exhibit space renamed "Polar Play Zone" where kids can dress up and play like penguins in a space with slides and tunnels.
During reopening weekend, the first 100 guests each day will receive free general admission, Germann said.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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