Denver Zoo Stingray Cove is a seasonal, open-air interactive experience that allows visitors to get up-close and personal with four beautiful species of sea life. This unique attraction offers a chance to learn about and interact with cownose rays, southern stingrays, bamboo sharks, and bonnethead sharks in a Baja-inspired setting.
Interactive Experience
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove features a 15,000-gallon tank that is home to 40 free-swimming animals. Visitors can immerse themselves in a Baja-inspired beach-bar themed habitat, complete with a 5,500 square feet of shady space and a mural by Colorado-based Mexican artist Armando Silva.
Species
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove is home to four fascinating marine species:
- Cownose Rays: These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive “winged” appearance and can grow up to 24 inches in width.
- Southern Stingrays: These flat-bodied rays can reach up to 5 feet in width and are known for their long, venomous tails.
- Bamboo Sharks: These small, bottom-dwelling sharks can grow up to 3 feet in length and are known for their unique, bamboo-like patterns.
- Bonnethead Sharks: These small, hammerhead-like sharks can grow up to 4 feet in length and are known for their distinctive, shovel-shaped heads.
Habitat
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove’s 15,000-gallon tank is designed to mimic the Baja California Peninsula’s coastal environment. The habitat features a beach-bar theme, complete with shady areas for visitors to relax and observe the animals.
Cost and Timings
Visiting the Denver Zoo Stingray Cove is an affordable and accessible experience for all visitors.
Tickets
- Members: $2 per person
- Non-Members: $3 per person
- Tickets are available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food
- Stingray Cove Snack Cart: Offers respados (shaved ice with fruit compote and toppings) and funnel cakes for $2 per item.
- Food and drink are not allowed within the pool area.
Hours
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove is open seasonally from mid-March to October, with operating hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Rules and Precautions
To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and animals, the Denver Zoo Stingray Cove has a few important rules and precautions in place:
- No food or drink allowed within the pool area: This helps to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the habitat.
- Guests must rinse their hands before entering the pool space: This helps to prevent the introduction of any harmful substances or bacteria into the water.
- Not recommended for guests with a shellfish allergy: The rays and sharks in the Stingray Cove may have a dietary connection to shellfish, so those with allergies should exercise caution.
Additional Information
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove offers more than just an interactive experience with marine life. Here are some additional details about the attraction:
Animal Care
The Denver Zoo’s Animal Care team closely monitors the health and happiness of the animals in the Stingray Cove. The habitat is designed with “quiet zones” where the animals can seek privacy and rest when needed.
Cultural Connection
The mural in the Stingray Cove, created by Colorado-based Mexican artist Armando Silva, honors the mixed heritage of the Baja California Peninsula and promotes environmental action.
Stingray Cove Snack Cart
In addition to the interactive experience, visitors can enjoy respados (shaved ice with fruit compote and toppings) and funnel cakes from the Stingray Cove Snack Cart.
The Denver Zoo Stingray Cove is a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to get up-close and personal with a variety of fascinating marine species. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this seasonal attraction is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a greater appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.
References
- https://denverzoo.org/experience/stingray-cove/
- https://denverzoo.org/food-and-drink/stingray-cove-snack-cart/
- https://denverzoo.org/habitat/stingray-cove-experience/
- https://denverzoo.org/attractions/
- https://denverzoo.org/exhibits/