The John G. Shedd Aquarium, a nonprofit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, is known as "The World's Aquarium."  Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the facility houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. Since its opening in 1930, the Aquarium's mission has been to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the aquatic world.  Today, this educational goal has gained urgency as more species acquire endangered status.  Shedd Aquarium is committed to a number of projects designed to preserve threatened or endangered aquatic species.