Sad News from the Calgary Zoo

[Geofrog]

Just read this in the Clgary Herald:

Stingray deaths stun Calgary Zoo
Sherri Zickefoose, Calgary Herald
Published: Monday, May 12, 2008
CALGARY - Dozens of stringrays have mysteriously and suddenly died, closing the Calgary Zoo's new exhibit.

Thirty-four stingrays have died in total. Twenty-six were found dead Sunday and this morning, eight more died. Only nine remain, according to zoo officials.

The cause of death is unknown.

Staff noticed Sunday around 1 p.m. that the stingrays had lost their appetite and started changing colour - a reaction to stress. Half a dozen staff members began trying to revive the flagging stingrays but 26 died between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

The remaining stingrays are being monitored. Staff are puzzled by the sudden and mysterious demise of the creatures.

The cownose stingray exhibit opened in February.

"What we do know is that there was no mechanical failure in the life support system," said Cathy Gaviller, the zoo's director of conservation, research and education.

"We know that all of the numerous water tests conducted on a daily basis since the exhibit opened have been consistently within normal range," she said. "We will be relentless in investigating the cause."

The exhibit is closed.