Photography by Saint Louis Zoo
While many moviegoers picture them great and white, sharks come in several shapes and sizes. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to view sharks and stingrays at close range— even touch some—when the Saint Louis Zoo’s interactive exhibit at Caribbean Cove opens for the season this Friday, April 15.
Open through October 2, the exhibit features cownose rays and southern stingrays, as well as bonnethead, brown-banded, and white-spotted bamboo sharks. Visitors are encouraged to dip their hands in the water of the exhibit’s 17,000-gallon warm saltwater pool. Occasionally, there will be an opportunity to feed the stingrays. Sharks and stingrays also have access to a solitary space and places to rest if they choose.
The interactive experience offers zoo patrons opportunities to experience the animals up close in a safe environment. It also allows visitors to see animals as more than just exhibits.
“Our guests are always surprised by how the animals feel to the touch," says Hannah Petri, docent and interpretation coordinator for the zoo. "You can’t really describe the feeling. You have to experience it firsthand to understand. People are also surprised at how smart these animals are and that they are trainable. Each animal has its own distinct personality and by visiting often the guests get to know the individual animals."
The sharks in Caribbean Cove are harmless, and keepers regularly trim the barbs on stingrays so they are safe to pet. The trimming process does not harm the stingrays, says Petri. “We clip the stingrays’ barbs, much like you might trim the nails of your dog or cat at home," she says.
Admission to the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove exhibit is $4 per person. Zoo Friends members at the Family Level and above can use their Anywhere Plus passes for admission. Children under age 2 get in free. With the $12.95 Adventure Pass, zoo visitors receive free admission to Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and other attractions. Admission to the exhibit is free during the first hour the zoo is open. Stingray feed is $1 per cup. Click here for more information.
