Nearly triple the number of moon jellies are now in a brand-new habitat at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, offering guests something new to see this weekend. The species returns to The Living Coast in a redesigned habitat for guests to learn about the transparent invertebrate as they drift with the current. Moon jellies play an important role in the ecosystem as an indicator species, which provide early warning signs about the health of the ecosystem. A few fun facts include:

• Moon jellies pulse with their “bell” to swim up and down while drifting with the ocean currents. 

• They are made of mostly water — about 95 percent— which makes them almost transparent. Under certain lights, they may look like they glow in the dark.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is also launching a new Wild Connections experience with moon jellies later this year. Guests will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes to feed the moon jellies, gaining a glimpse into how animal care specialists care for the species. More information will be available at brookfieldzoo.org/wildconnections.

Photo Credit: © Brookfield Zoo Chicago