Stingray Bay and Great Barrier Reef Exhibit at the Toronto Zoo

By: Toronto4Kids

You don't expect to be able to touch the animals when visiting the Toronto Zoo but until October 2008, the new Stingray Bay exhibit allows zoo goers to dip their hands into a saltwater pool to feel the supple skin of about 25 cownose and southern Stingrays. The close-up view of these incredible creatures provides for a fascinating and unforgettable educational experience. Guests can also participate in special feedings and learn all about these graceful animals with keeper talks and demonstrations on the best ways to view or touch them.

At the time of our visit, we were not able to touch the Stingrays, in light of Calgary Zoo incident with the sudden and mysterious death of most of the stingrays in its new exhibit. The Toronto Zoo had taken extra precautions for the safety of the stingrays and visitors alike, however the Stingray Bay Exhibit is now fully open.

The Stingrays are supported in a massive and spectacular salt water habitat featuring a waterfall and state-of-the-art life support system. The 1,450 square foot pool is 20 inches deep and holds 60,500 litres of water; large enough to provide ample resting space in the centre where the animals can rest and "hang out" if they choose not to swim around. To touch a stingray, the visitor rests their hand in the water until a stingray swims and brushes against their hand or glides beneath their fingertips. Rest assured, the stingrays in the touch tanks have had their barbs - the whip-like tail parts that can sting - painlessly trimmed like a long fingernail. In the wild, a stingray will only use its barb when it feels its life is threatened. Stingrays are actually gentle creatures and these types seen at the Zoo are commonly found in North American waters. The experience is entirely safe for both the Stingrays and visitors.

What's a Stingray? Stingrays are fish species that are the most closely related to sharks. They are found in the shallow coastal waters of temperate seas and spend the majority of their time inactive and partially buried in the sand. The stingray's color often reflects the floor of the ocean where it is camouflaged from other predators. Their size can range from 10 inches (25 cm) to up to 20 feet (6 m) in the case of the manta ray.

This temporary exhibit is a first in Ontario and it's being featured in the Group Events Tent, at the Zellers Discovery Zone. Stingray Bay opened on May 16 and runs until October 2008. There is a $3 admission fee to the exhibit (in addition to Zoo admission) and it is FREE to children 3 and under.

The exhibit coincides with the re-opening of the Australasia featuring the new Great Barrier Reef Exhibit. The pavilion has undergone renovations to include a new habitat for the echidna and hairy-nosed wombats. This includes 1,300 square foot of newly expanded exhibits in addition to a new outdoor viewing area. Previous tenants returning are Doni and Loka the Komodo Dragon couple, Chrissie the Tree Kangaroo, Kookaburra the Black Tree Monitor and the Green Tree Python.

The new marine exhibits now feature the stunning and captivating Great Barrier Reef, one of the Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site. The centerpiece of this exhibit is the Great Barrier Reef Community Tank. Over 23 feet in length (7m) and 32,000 litres it offers over 1,000 reef fish such as Bamboo Shark, Parrot and Angel Fish all set within a colourful coral reef display. Also new are the Moon Jelly Fish, Australian Sea Horse and live Coral Reef Exhibits. The Great Barrier Reef Exhibit is permanent and Free with Zoo admission.

The Toronto Zoo's mission is to connect people with animals and nature and these new exhibits give visitors an amazing opportunity to better understand, respect, be involved and more importantly, protect our marine life. For more information, visit: www.torontozoo.com.