Brookfield Zoo’s Stingray Closed for Season

On July 10, there was a drop in the oxygen level at Brookfield Zoo’s Stingray Bay habitat.

Veterinary staff were promptly on the scene to provide medical treatment to the affected stingrays. Additionally, immediate action was taken by animal care staff to rectify the situation and get the levels back to normal. Despite tireless efforts by staff, all the animals, which included four southern stingrays and 50 cownose rays, succumbed.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of these animals,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo. “Our staff did everything possible to try and save the animals, but the situation could not be reversed.”

Staff is currently analyzing the life support system to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. At this time, the Chicago Zoological Society has made the decision to not reopen the summer-long temporary exhibit for the remainder of the season. The popular exhibit has been operating since 2007.