When a powerful monsoon storm swept through the Phoenix Zoo in early August, no animals were harmed. But some of the zoo’s infrastructure was – including Stingray Bay. The exhibit has now re-opened, after nearly two months.
On a recent morning, zoo keeper Mari Belko was beaming as she was surrounded by a fever of stingrays (and yes, that’s what a group of those creatures are actually called).
(Video by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)
They were using their vacuum-cleaner-like mouths to suck frozen shrimp out her hand.
It’s an experience visitors can have once again, now that the exhibit has reopened after damaged caused Aug. 3. Belko said stingrays are actually pretty friendly.
“Oh, they’re amazing,” she said, surrounded by floating adults and babies alike. “They are smart. They can be taught. They are, for lack of a better word, affectionate. They learn who they are. They come up to us. They’re very social.”
And here at the Phoenix Zoo, they’re all named after country super stars.
“This is Dolly Parton, as a matter of fact,” Belko said, chuckling.
And Dolly likes to be petted. But don’t worry, Belko said. Dolly’s had her stinging barb trimmed – just like Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
