Building Specific Galleries - Touch Tank Guidelines
Common Species Include:
- Cownose Rays
- South Stingray
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- White spotted bamboo shark
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- Animals are to remain underwater at all times.
- Animals are not to be restrained in any manner, at any time.
- Touching is to be done in a two-fingered manner.
- Sharks are to be touched from the dorsal fin, back. The eyes, gills and mouth areas are to be avoided to insure the health of the animals.
- Rays are to be touched in the wing area.
Eyes, spiracles, mouth, and tails are areas that should be avoided.
On southern stingrays and Atlantic stingrays, avoid touching the center of the back.
- Recommend to guests that if they contact an animal, they should wash their hands.
- Any decisions regarding animal well being will be made by the Husbandry Staff.
- No food or drink in the exhibit area.
- Please do not throw anything in pool.
- The animals will be fed only by members of the Husbandry Staff or specified Husbandry Volunteers. Absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
- At the interpreter’s discretion, on busy days, a “time out” session may be called. This is a time when animals are not to be touched. Duration should be at least 5 minutes, but no longer than 15 minutes.
- Several species have the ability to jump out. If this occurs there is a net located behind the exhibit. Use this net to lift the animal back into the exhibit. Guests are not to touch the animal. Once back in the display, a 5-10 minute “time out” session should be called. Notify Husbandry Staff immediately on radio channel 3.
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