The Oceanarium at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, US, reopened to the public on 23 May, following the completion of an extensive US$50m (£31.4m, 35.8m euro) refurbishment scheme.

More than three million gallons of saltwater were drained from the attraction as part of the nine-month project, which included the recoating of all five pools, routine maintenance to animal habitats and the installation of new heating, cooling and animal life-support systems.

A new underwater Polar Play Zone has also been created at the attraction, which offers children the chance to learn about marine life through a range of exhibits and habitats, while a new marine mammal amphitheatre will be unveiled later this summer.

The new amphitheatre has seen the installation of an additional 150 seats and a dedicated VIP area, taking the venue's total capacity to more than 1,100, while a new projection system has also been installed to display images on one of the largest operating curtains in the US.

First opened in 1991, Shedd Aquarium's Oceanarium has attracted nearly 33 million visitors and is home to a number of marine species, including Beluga whales, Alaska sea otters, California sea lions and Rockhopper and Magellanic penguin.