The Saint Louis Zoo is bringing the ocean back to you in 2010 when Stingrays at Caribbean Cove reopens for the season on April 24.
Visitors can watch, touch and occasionally feed these unique and fascinating oceanic fish as they glide through a warm saltwater pool. Located under a new pavilion near Lakeside Café, these ocean animals swim through a 17,000-gallon pool complete with waterfall and a lush surrounding landscape.
This summer, the stingrays have brought along some new friends. Look for the horseshoe crabs, some of the longest-surviving creatures on Earth, swimming amongst the stingrays. Horseshoe crabs are near threatened because of the popular practice of using them as bait to catch fish.
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove will stay open through the summer until September 26. Zoo staff will be present to assist and share information on the stingrays and ocean conservation. Don’t be afraid to be “hands on” – these stingrays can’t sting you. Zoo staff monitor the stingrays throughout the season to ensure no stingers exist. Their stingers, or barbs, are be painlessly trimmed back just like fingernails are clipped.
Admission to Stingrays at Caribbean Cove is $3 per person (children under two are free) and $1.50 for Zoo Friends members. Admission is free the first hour the Zoo is open. For complete information on this and other exhibits and events at the Zoo, visit www.stlzoo.org.
Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
Hop into spring by bringing your family for a fun breakfast with the Bunny and other costumed characters at the Saint Louis Zoo. Guests can pose for photos with the bunny, and children 12 and under receive a gift from the bunny's gift basket. Reservations are required.
Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket with fun! Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt includes animals for petting, tractor rides around the farm, planting seeds to take home, ice a cookie, gifts from the bunny, and a free photo scene with the Easter Bunny.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, macaws speak the English language and much more at the WOW! Amazing Animal Show at the World Bird Sanctuary. Every program showcases different animals so each day is a new experience.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
