Stingray Cove, Sedgwick County Zoo’s newest attraction, is set to open to the public Friday, April 15. Stingray Cove is designed to give guests the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with a variety of stingrays and small sharks all swimming in a shallow saltwater pool.
Here’s what you need to know to have the best experience:
WHERE IS IT?
Stingray Cove is in the renovated Pepsi Pavilion – between the Beastro and the Tropics. The entrance to the Cove is on the west side of the building, closest to the Tropics.
Hot Tip! On busy days, the line will form along the pathway in front of the Amphibians & Reptiles building, so plan to approach Stingray Cove from the direction of the Children’s Farms and Penguins for the smoothest experience.
WHEN CAN I GO?
Stingray Cove will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the summer season. The Cove will close in October for the winter and open up again in April.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
One Zoo Attraction Ticket costs $4 for SCZ members and $5 for non-members. An Attraction Ticket is valid one time at any of the Zoo’s attractions – Stingray Cove, Giraffe Feeding, and Boat Ride. This will also include train rides when the Safari Express opens later this summer.
Children 2 and under are not required to purchase a ticket to Stingray Cove.
Upgrade your experience for only $2 and get a cup of food to feed the rays. They’ll be eating literally out of the palm of your hand!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHILE I’M THERE?
Your Attraction Ticket will get you into Stingray Cove where you’ll perch next to the pool to get hands-on with the animals. Reach in with a flat palm and feel the wings of the Stingrays as they swim by, and be on the lookout for energetic stingrays to come by for a high-five. If you’ve upgraded to a feeding experience, they’ll swim over your hand and take the food with their mouths as they go by!
Stingray Cove is home to Cownose and Southern stingrays, as well as Brown-banded and White-spotted Bamboo sharks.
The sharks are gentle and prefer to stick to the bottom of the pool, but if you’re lucky you might be approached by a curious one. The stingrays at Stingray Cove are safe to touch. The spines on their tails have been trimmed, much like you might trim your fingernails.
This unique experience is unforgettable and fun for the whole family and don’t worry – there’s a hand-wash station by the door on the way out!
>>CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS<<
The Sedgwick County Zoo is dedicated to inspiring respect and conservation for wildlife and wild places.
Home to nearly 3,000 animals of more than 400 different species, SCZ has been recognized with national and international awards for its support of field conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species.
