LouiseandSean.com

As you probably know we really like the Calgary Zoo, and we go there often. We love to see all the birds and the animals, and there are always zookeepers and handlers about that are willing to chat about the latest and greatest news. It is clear from talking to the zookeepers that they really love their jobs and the animals they care for are extremely important to them.

After this particular visit to the zoo we were particularly disturbed to hear the news that many of the Cownose Rays in the brand new touch-tank exhibit had died. We had been in to see this exhibit several times, but this was the first visit where we were actually allowed to try to touch the rays. Or more accurately, we were allowed to put our hands on the bottom of the tank and allow the rays to touch us if they chose to. While a couple of them came pretty close, we really didn’t actually get touched at all. Regardless it was very interesting and exciting to be able to interact with the animals in this way.

I won’t even get into the ethical arguments of whether or not we should be interacting with wild animals in the this way or not, other than to say that we all loved the opportunity! Melanie was extremely excited when the rays came close, and even more sad when they chose to avoid us.

Anyway, I don’t think they have determined yet what actually caused these animals to die. I really hope I’m wrong, but at this point I have no doubt that it must have been an intentional act by someone that wanted them harmed. We were in the exhibit a little over an hour before they started to appear sick and while we were there they appeared to be normal, active, and healthy. We will likely never again be able to interact with the rays in this exhibit, and that makes me very sad…