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.
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