Stingray Touch Pool

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STINGRAY TOUCH POOL

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What is a stingray?

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Stingray v. Skate

Skeleton made of cartilage

Venomous Barb

Flat Body shape

Countershading

Touching Protocol

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Touch Protocol

Our Habitat

• AZA Requirements

• Information that should be said everytime

• Relevant to families with children

• Visitor's Personal Items

• Hand Sanitizer

• Shellfish Allergies

• Choice and Control

• Radio

• Misinformation

Our Habitat

Our Residents

• 2,000 gallons
• 72 to 76 degrees, seasonal changes
• 30-35 ppt (salt water)

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FAQs

FAQs

Finish

Stingrays

Sharks

Stingrays

FAQs

Q: Do they ever jump out? A: We have carefully select species for this exhibit that are not prone to jumping, to reduce the chances.

Q: Do stingrays/horseshoe crabs and other animals in the touch pools enjoy being touched? A: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, did a study and collected data on animals subjected to touch and interaction by visitors and animals held in a large holding habitat behind the scenes. Despite the difference in environment and interactions with visitors, both groups of animals remained clinically healthy. We offer our animals "Choice and Control" where they are provided a section of the exhibit to rest without disruption.

Q: Is that the animal that killed Steve Irwin? A: Steve Irwin was stung by a Pacific species, the Short-tailed Stingray. Stingrays use their barbs in defense and the venomous sting is not typically fatal. Unfortunately, Steve Irwin was struck in the heart with a barb large enough to penetrate through his chest, causing the event to be fatal.

Sharks

FAQs

Q: Why are there non-native shark species in this exhibit? A: We decided to exhibit non-native sharks species because our local smaller sharks, would not thrive in a touch environment. These species coexist well with the native animals and would naturally be found in shallow, warmer waters.

Q: Are those baby sharks? A: Our sharks are full grown. There are over 500 species of sharks and half of these shark species are 3 feet or smaller. The smallest species of shark is the Dwarf Lantern Shark reaching just over 8 inches and the largest of the shark species is the Whale Shark and Basking Shark, both reaching over 30 feet. White Sharks come in third largest at about 20 feet.

Q: Why are there clear tubes in the exhibit? A: Our sharks are nocturnal and would naturally be spending much of there day resting in a protected areas of the reef. These tubes allow for the sharks to exhibit that natural behavior. The tubes are open on both ends and the sharks have choice and control if they want to maneuver through them. Sharks in tubes should not be touched at any time.

Q: Can they bite? A: Yes, however we have selected these species specifically for the touch pool because of their non-aggressive behaviors. Also, when following the proper touch protocol (touching behind the pectoral fins) hands would not be close to the shark's mouth. When sharks are in the tube, please ensure that visitors are not touching the shark's face.

Complete!

If you have any questions reach out to Taylor and she will be able to help you.