Stingrays at Caribbean Cove
presented by UMB Bank

Open through September 26, 2010

Watch, touch and occasionally feed these unique and fascinating oceanic fish, stingrays and horseshoe crabs, as they glide through a warm saltwater pool.

Located under a new pavilion near Lakeside Cafe these ocean animals swim through a 17,000-gallon pool complete with waterfall and a lush surrounding landscape.

See the 2009 "Show Me St. Louis" story on www.KSDK.com.

New! Horseshoe Crabs

This summer, the stingrays have brought along some of their "crabby" friends. Look for the horseshoe crabs, some of the longest-surviving creatures on Earth, swimming amongst the stingrays.

About the Rays

Our stingrays can't sting you. Staff will monitor the stingrays throughout the season to ensure no stingers exist. You'll be surprised at how gentle and graceful they are in the water, as they swim past your hands. At Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, their stingers or barbs will be painlessly trimmed back just like fingernails are clipped.

Zoo interpreters will be on hand to assist and to share information on the stingrays and ocean conservation.

It's a Ray's Life

Cownose rays and southern stingrays are related to sharks and skates. They have a flat body, long pointed fins and a long whip-like tail. Stingrays are known for their stinger, but they are actually very docile creatures. Learn more about stingray anatomy.

Sustainable Seafood and Ocean Conservation

Though the cownose rays and southern stingrays are not currently endangered in the wild, other species of stingrays are. Stingrays and other ocean animals are often accidentally caught during commercial fishing for other fish. It's important that consumers purchase seafood from suppliers that farm or fish in ways that will ensure the long-term health of the world's oceans, rivers and lakes. Download a Midwest Seafood Watch card or pick one up at the Zoo for a list of recommended seafood choices (and those that are not recommended). Our stingrays eat fish that are sustainable, and so should you!

Horseshoe crabs are near threatened because of the popular practice of using them as bait to catch fish.

Admission

Zoo Friends members: $1.50 per person
Non-members: $3 per person
Children under two are free.
Admission is free the first hour the Zoo is open.
Stingray feedings are $1.00 per cup.

Group Rates (Advance reservations are required)

Group rate for 15 or more is available. Please call Group Sales at (314) 781-0900, ext. 4709.

School group rate for 15 or more is available. Please call School Group Sales at (314) 781-0900, ext. 4857 or 4566.

Living Exhibits

Animal and veterinary care for the stingrays is supervised by a full-time exhibit supervisor and an assistant exhibit supervisor from Living Exhibits, a San Diego-based corporation that produces and manages interactive exhibits for zoos, aquariums and museums.