Denver Zoo is home to a captivating collection of sharks, offering visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these remarkable marine creatures. The Stingray Cove exhibit at the zoo is the primary destination for those eager to encounter these predators of the deep.
Denver Zoo Sharks: Bamboo Sharks and Bonnethead Sharks
The Denver Zoo is proud to showcase two species of sharks within its Stingray Cove exhibit: bamboo sharks and bonnethead sharks. These sharks coexist harmoniously with a variety of other marine life, including cownose and southern stingrays, in a 15,000-gallon tank.
Bamboo Sharks
Bamboo sharks, also known as dwarf carpetsharks, are a small and docile species of shark that can be found in the exhibit. These sharks typically grow to a maximum length of around 3.3 feet (1 meter) and are known for their distinctive brown or gray coloration with dark spots or bands. Bamboo sharks are bottom-dwellers, preferring to spend their time resting on the seafloor or swimming close to the substrate.
Bonnethead Sharks
Joining the bamboo sharks in the Stingray Cove exhibit are the bonnethead sharks. These small, hammer-headed sharks are a type of hammerhead shark and can be identified by their distinctive, rounded head shape. Bonnethead sharks are generally smaller than their larger hammerhead cousins, with adults typically reaching a maximum length of around 4.9 feet (1.5 meters). These sharks are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and even some plant matter.
Interacting with the Denver Zoo Sharks
One of the main attractions of the Stingray Cove exhibit is the opportunity for visitors to interact with the sharks and stingrays. Under the supervision of trained zoo staff, guests can touch and even feed these fascinating marine creatures.
Touching the Sharks and Stingrays
Visitors are encouraged to gently touch the sharks and stingrays during their visit to the Stingray Cove exhibit. The zoo’s staff provide guidance on the proper way to interact with the animals, ensuring the safety of both the guests and the creatures. Visitors can expect to feel the smooth, velvety skin of the sharks and the slightly rougher texture of the stingrays’ backs.
Feeding the Sharks and Stingrays
In addition to touching the animals, visitors can also purchase food to feed the sharks and stingrays. Each piece of food costs $2, and the zoo staff will provide instructions on how to properly offer the food to the animals. Guests can expect to see the sharks and stingrays eagerly approach and accept the offered morsels, providing a truly immersive and engaging experience.
Ensuring the Well-being of the Denver Zoo Sharks
The Denver Zoo is committed to the health and happiness of the sharks and stingrays in its care. The Stingray Cove exhibit is designed with “quiet zones” to ensure the animals’ privacy and comfort, and the zoo’s Animal Care team closely monitors the creatures for optimal well-being.
Habitat and Water Quality
The 15,000-gallon tank that houses the sharks and stingrays is carefully maintained to provide a suitable and comfortable environment for the animals. The water quality is closely monitored, and the tank is equipped with the necessary filtration and temperature control systems to ensure the sharks and stingrays thrive.
Feeding and Nutrition
The sharks and stingrays at the Denver Zoo are provided with a high-quality, nutritious diet that is suitable for human consumption. The zoo’s Animal Care team works diligently to ensure the animals receive the proper nutrients and care to maintain their health and well-being.
Visiting the Denver Zoo Sharks
The Stingray Cove exhibit at the Denver Zoo is a seasonal attraction, open from mid-March to October, with operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Visitors can purchase tickets on-site, with members paying $2 and non-members paying $3 to access the exhibit.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Stingray Cove exhibit can be purchased on-site at the Denver Zoo. Members of the zoo pay $2 per ticket, while non-members pay $3 per ticket. The exhibit is open from mid-March to October, with operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Food Costs
In addition to the ticket price, visitors can purchase food to feed the sharks and stingrays. Each piece of food costs $2, and the zoo staff will provide guidance on how to properly offer the food to the animals.
Conclusion
The Denver Zoo’s Stingray Cove exhibit offers a unique and captivating opportunity for visitors to encounter and interact with a variety of sharks, including the bamboo shark and the bonnethead shark. With the chance to touch and feed these remarkable marine creatures, the exhibit provides an unforgettable and educational experience for all who visit. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Denver Zoo Sharks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
References:
- https://denverzoo.org/exhibits/
- https://denverzoo.org/attractions/
- https://denverzoo.org/animals/
- https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article290120619.html
- https://denverzoo.org/habitat/stingray-cove-experience/