'Stingrays At Caribbean Cove' Opens April 13 At Saint Louis Zoo

ST. LOUIS, MO — Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, an interactive exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo, opens Friday, April 13.

The 17,000-gallon saltwater exhibit features cownose rays and southern stingrays, along with bonnethead, brown-banded and white-spotted bamboo sharks. The zoo says these hardy species interact well with people, and visitors are encouraged to dip their hands into the water and touch the animals.

Named for their semi-circular heads, which resemble a bonnet, bonnethead sharks are the smallest member of the hammerhead family. Bamboo sharks are also called cat sharks because of their whisker-like sensory organs. Both species are small and docile, posing no danger to humans, according to zoo officials.

Cownose rays and southern stingrays are closely related to sharks, with flat bodies and long, whip-like tails. Zoo staff clip barbs at the end of the stingrays' tails — painlessly, they say, similar to clipping human finger nails — so that they pose no danger to visitors.

The 20-inch deep pool includes a waterfall and state-of-the-art life support system, the zoo said in a press release, and also includes solitary space and places for animals to rest if they choose. Interpreters and educators will also be on hand to share information about the animals and ocean conservation.

The exhibit is sponsored by Mercy Children's Hospital.

“Mercy Kids loves being involved with this interactive exhibit allowing children of all ages close access to stingrays — great for encouraging curiosity in children,” said Dr. Phineas Oren, chairman of pediatrics and medical director of Mercy Children’s Hospital. “Each spring families anticipate the opening of Stingrays at the Zoo, and we are proud to partner with others who bring education and fun to children in our community.”

Starting April 13, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through May 24. From Memorial Day weekend (May 25) to Labor Day (September 3), the exhibit will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. over the weekend.

For more information, visit www.stlzoo.org.

Photos courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo