As one of the first aquariums to join, Shedd expands efforts to bolster biodiversity for the blue planet
Read the full Press Release published by Shedd Aquarium June 16, 2026
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is now a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit’s expanding efforts to protect biodiversity and advance conservation for our shared planet. As one of the few aquariums admitted to the prestigious global conservation network, Shedd joins more than 1,600 member organizations working collaboratively to reverse habitat and species loss, restore ecosystems and improve human wellbeing worldwide.
Shedd Aquarium was formally recognized for membership in acknowledgement of its growing leadership in conservation science, policy, animal care and public engagement. Shedd’s contributions include impactful field research and peer-reviewed publications, policy initiatives that empower public participation in conservation, specialized animal care expertise that supports conservation interventions, and educational programs that inspire millions of guests each year to protect wildlife and habitats.
“Protecting our planet requires partnership – no one individual, organization or country can do it alone,” said Dr. Chuck Knapp, vice president of conservation research at Shedd Aquarium. “I am thrilled to see Shedd take this step in joining the IUCN network to maximize our global conservation impact.”
While membership represents a new chapter, Shedd has maintained a longstanding history of collaboration with the IUCN and its commissions. In 2023, the aquarium partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) to establish the Center for Species Survival: Freshwater at Shedd. The center builds upon Shedd’s extensive freshwater conservation portfolio by expanding local freshwater mussel conservation research into key biodiversity hotspots in Central America, including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala. Most recently, the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management invited Shedd’s manager of the center, Dr. Yasmin Quintana to serve as co-lead of its Wetland Ecosystems Specialist Group.
Dr. Knapp also has deep roots within the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), where he was a founding member, and past co-chair, of the Iguana Specialist Group. More than 140 volunteer specialist groups within the SSC work closely with the IUCN Red List Authorities to assess species’ extinction risks and guide strategic conservation initiatives. Through this collaboration, Shedd Aquarium has contributed expertise supporting conservation assessments for iguanas, molluscs, bowmouth guitarfish and other species.
To learn more about Shedd Aquarium’s conservation research efforts to protect animals and habitats around the world, visit the aquarium’s website here. Additionally, the aquarium has an array of actions and advocacy asks to support Shedd’s efforts for our shared blue planet. Anyone can sign up for conservation alerts with an email address to stay informed on the latest ways to act for animals.
