Consular Processing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Press Release
CHICAGO PCG VISITS THE AWARD-WINNING WILD REEF EXHIBIT AT THE SHEDD AQUARIUM
Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders (2nd from left) and Mr. Richard Osea (rightmost) poses with Shedd Aquarium
Executives (Chicago PCG Photo)
Chicago, Illinois - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders and Mr. Richard Osea of the Political Affairs Section, visited the John G. Shedd Aquarium on 19 November 2025.
The Consulate personnel were provided a guided visit to the Wild Reef Exhibit by Ms. Mallory Hebert, Manager, Government Affairs and Policy; Ms. Kristen Neria, Director, Exhibit Services; Mr. George Parsons, Director, Animal Planning and Dive Operations; and Mr. Noel Heinsohn, Manager, Wild Reef.
Shedd Aquarium is the world’s oldest and largest indoor marine mammal exhibit in the world. The Wild Reef Exhibit, which formally opened on 15 April 2003 is an award-winning permanent exhibit that continues to draw excellent reviews from visitors. It is also the most visited exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium.
The Wild Reef Exhibit is one of the largest and most diverse shark exhibits in North America. Guests begin their journey at the surging shores of a recreated Apo Island, and then surface to the mangroves and beaches of the Visayan coast. To create an environment where the fishes will feel comfortable with their surroundings, Shedd Aquarium imported from the Philippines, among others, 17.5 tons of sand and a fisherman’s house. Shedd brought to Chicago the coral reefs of the Philippines, an epicenter of marine diversity with 450 species of coral and 2,500 species of fish and home to more than 40 species of shark. END
Mr. Parsons explaining the origin of the fishes displayed in the exhibit (Photo by: Mr. Richard Osea)
Ms. Neria shows fisherman’s house that was built in the Philippines (Photo by Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul Alders checks out an infographic regarding the Apo Island (Photo by Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders (2nd from left) and Mr. Richard Osea (rightmost) poses with Shedd Aquarium
Executives (Chicago PCG Photo)
Chicago, Illinois - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ma. Theresa M. Alders and Mr. Richard Osea of the Political Affairs Section, visited the John G. Shedd Aquarium on 19 November 2025.
The Consulate personnel were provided a guided visit to the Wild Reef Exhibit by Ms. Mallory Hebert, Manager, Government Affairs and Policy; Ms. Kristen Neria, Director, Exhibit Services; Mr. George Parsons, Director, Animal Planning and Dive Operations; and Mr. Noel Heinsohn, Manager, Wild Reef.
Shedd Aquarium is the world’s oldest and largest indoor marine mammal exhibit in the world. The Wild Reef Exhibit, which formally opened on 15 April 2003 is an award-winning permanent exhibit that continues to draw excellent reviews from visitors. It is also the most visited exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium.
The Wild Reef Exhibit is one of the largest and most diverse shark exhibits in North America. Guests begin their journey at the surging shores of a recreated Apo Island, and then surface to the mangroves and beaches of the Visayan coast. To create an environment where the fishes will feel comfortable with their surroundings, Shedd Aquarium imported from the Philippines, among others, 17.5 tons of sand and a fisherman’s house. Shedd brought to Chicago the coral reefs of the Philippines, an epicenter of marine diversity with 450 species of coral and 2,500 species of fish and home to more than 40 species of shark. END
Mr. Parsons explaining the origin of the fishes displayed in the exhibit (Photo by: Mr. Richard Osea)
Ms. Neria shows fisherman’s house that was built in the Philippines (Photo by Mr. Richard Osea)
Consul Alders checks out an infographic regarding the Apo Island (Photo by Mr. Richard Osea)