In July 2015, a devastating incident occurred at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, where 54 stingrays died due to a malfunction in their habitat. This tragic event sparked an investigation and a lawsuit, shedding light on the challenges faced by zoos in maintaining the well-being of their animal residents.
The Incident
On July 10, 2015, the oxygen levels in the stingray habitat, known as Stingray Bay, dropped significantly, putting the lives of the 54 stingrays at risk. Despite immediate medical treatment and attempts to readjust the oxygen levels, none of the stingrays survived.
Cause of the Malfunction
The exact cause of the malfunction was not immediately identified, but it was reported that the oxygen levels in the tank plummeted, leading to the deaths of the stingrays. The zoo officials were unable to reverse the situation, resulting in the loss of all 54 stingrays, including four southern stingrays and 50 cownose rays.
Investigation and Lawsuit
Following the incident, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit against the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, which operates the zoo, seeking records related to the deaths of the stingrays and the zoo’s partnership with SeaWorld. The lawsuit alleged a “cover-up” by the zoo and the forest preserve district, claiming that they were withholding information about the incident and the zoo’s relationship with SeaWorld.
Settlement and Consequences
In May 2021, PETA settled the lawsuit with the zoo, obtaining the records they had sought and $9,000 in attorneys’ fees. As part of the settlement, the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo, certified that it would no longer engage in any business relationship with SeaWorld and would not enter into one in the future.
Historical Context
This was not the first incident of stingray deaths at Brookfield Zoo. In 2008, 16 stingrays died due to a malfunction in the temperature control system, causing the water temperature to rise by 10 degrees.
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | July 10, 2015 |
| Number of Stingrays Died | 54 |
| Cause of Death | Oxygen levels dropped in the tank |
| Zoo | Brookfield Zoo, Chicago |
| Partnership | The stingrays were on loan from SeaWorld |
| Lawsuit | Filed by PETA against the Forest Preserve District of Cook County |
| Settlement | PETA received records and $9,000 in attorneys’ fees; the zoo certified it would not engage in any business relationship with SeaWorld |
The Brookfield Zoo Stingrays Die incident highlights the importance of proper habitat maintenance and animal welfare in zoos. The tragic loss of 54 stingrays underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols and continuous monitoring to ensure the well-being of all animals in captivity. This event also raises questions about the ethics of animal loan programs and the responsibility of zoos to prioritize the health and safety of their animal residents.
References
- CNN. (2015). 54 stingrays die at Chicago zoo. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/12/us/dead-stingrays-chicago-zoo/index.html
- PETA. (2021). Update: PETA Settles SeaWorld Stingray Death Lawsuit. Retrieved from https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/update-peta-settles-seaworld-stingray-death-lawsuit/
- The Guardian. (2015). Chicago zoo’s 54 stingrays die after oxygen levels drop in tank. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/12/chicago-zoo-54-stingrays-die-oxygen-tank
- NBC Chicago. (2015). More Than 50 Stingrays at Brookfield Zoo Die Due to Habitat Malfunction. Retrieved from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/brookfield-zoo-stingrays-die-oxygen-levels-malfunction/65657/
- Chicago Tribune. (2018). PETA lawsuit alleges ‘cover-up’ in death of 54 stingrays at Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/07/18/peta-lawsuit-alleges-cover-up-in-death-of-54-stingrays-at-brookfield-zoo/.