Another cownose ray dies at Calgary Zoo

2009-02-01

Calgary Herald

Another ray has died at the Calgary Zoo's aquarium exhibit, but officials say they don't link it to the mysterious deaths of dozens of the animals at the zoo last May.

A parasite that arrived with the December shipment of 10 new cownose rays is being blamed.

``They came in with parasites called flukes. They're very common and quite ordinary,'' said zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron.

``It's like a dog having worms.''

Visitors are no longer able to touch or feed the marine animals after 41 of them sickened and died last May under unexplained circumstances.

The hands-on exhibit, one of the zoo's most popular, was the subject of an extensive investigation following the deaths. The cause of death could not be determined.

An investigation ruled out the presence of toxins in the pool. One theory is that oxygen levels dipped below normal, said Gaviller, so the zoo has installed an oxygen meter to keep a closer eye on the rays. Security cameras have also been installed to keep tabs on the tank.

The shipment of rays from Florida is being monitored.

``The rest of the rays seem to be doing fine,'' said Herron. The zoo expects to gradually introduce 25 more of them into a 37,000-litre tank in the Elephant Crossing building.