Local News

16 Stingrays Dead At Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD, Ill. (CBS) ― The popular stingray exhibit at Brookfield Zoo was shut down Tuesday night, after 16 stingrays died there Monday. CBS 2's Susan Carlson reports that equipment failure seemed to be to blame.

Zoo officials wouldn't go on camera because they were still trying to determine exactly how it happened, but they did confirm 16 stingrays were found dead in their tank Monday afternoon.

Stingray Bay is one of the most popular exhibits at Brookfield Zoo, but it was shut down Tuesday as officials investigated the deaths of half of its stingray population.

Sources said there was a voltage failure in the life support system in the 16,000-gallon saltwater tank. A chiller didn't go on and as a result, the temperature rose 10 degrees over several hours, leading to the deaths of 16 stingrays.

Zoo patrons love the exhibit because it allows them to get their hands on and touch the animals. Many were very upset to hear what happened.

Lauren O'Danovich said, "I was absolutely shocked. I couldn't believe it. It's horrible that something could happen like this."

Kristen Kalina said, "I think that's something that's pretty terrible. I mean, for something like that to happen to all those stingrays. … Those poor animals."

Sunni Brinley said, "I had no idea that the stingrays had gone. That's sad."

Dave Piper said, "It's too bad that they lost the stingrays. It's a wonderful part of the exhibit."

Zoo officials were also upset. They said they have to contact ComEd and the contractor that owns the Stingray Bay exhibit as part of their investigation.

It's important to note that 16 of the stingrays survived and were back in the tank Tuesday as the water temperature has returned to normal. The exhibit is expected to reopen by the weekend.

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