feature article - may 2007

Rays, sharks and koalas, oh my!

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO opens two new exhibits on May 26 and both will run through the summer.

“Sting Ray & Shark Reef” features the sting rays that were such a hit with visitors to the zoo in 2005. This time, the exhibit also will include sharks. They will be featured in two separate touch pools for an up-close and interactive encounter. There’s no need to be afraid to touch any of the animals featured, as the sting rays are barbless, and the sharks are non-aggressive species. The exhibit is sponsored by Chase.

The sting rays, soft, and fun to touch, will be in an 11,000-gallon pool. Featured are the graceful Cownose Ray (their “front” has a dimple resembling a cow), and the Southern Red Sting Ray. That sting ray is found in the wild in the coastal habitats from New Jersey to Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean and northern Gulf of Mexico.

The sharks you’ll encounter are the Leopard Shark, known for its leopard-spot pattern, and the Horn Shark, which has a square-like, blunt head with high ridges that look a bit like horns.

The exhibit is $2 after regular zoo admission, and food for the animals also is available for purchase.

“Koalas!” opens May 26 with Bamba and Muuri, two male koalas. Born at the San Diego Zoo in 2004, Bamba and Muuri will each have their own tree to enjoy and several varieties of eucalyptus leaves will be flown in daily for them. Koala “Animals in Action” talks will be held throughout the summer at 11 a.m. daily at the outdoor Australian Walkabout.

The zoo is located at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Zoo Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and holidays. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $7.50 for juniors and $9.50 for seniors. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $9. For more information, phone 771-3040 or visit www.milwaukeezoo.org