Loading ...I’ve often questioned the wisdom of ‘touch tanks’. Who knows what’s on people’s hands?
The sudden and mysterious deaths of 34 prized stingrays at the Calgary Zoo’s new “touch tank” had veterinarians searching the water in vain Monday for some explanation.
Sandie Black, the Calgary Zoo’s head veterinarian, said Monday that an early investigation into the “tragedy” is centred around possible toxins in the water rather than a disease or problem in the food.
Very sad news indeed, and I hope this prompts a review of the touch tank policy.
Most of the LFS in my area have a serve yourself policy. I have a feeling that one day we’ll see the end of that when an entire vat of coral is wiped out because someone introduced something in the water.
The Toronto Zoo is opening an exhibit this week similar to Calgary’s. Hopefully they rethink their policy.
In the hobby since 2001, and has seen all kinds of fads come and go. As he gets older, Jeff is developing more and more of a conscience towards environmental concerns, especially towards reefs. Currently, he writes from Ontario, Canada, but would rather be snorkeling on a reef.
I don’t like to see people put his hands on water to touch invertebrates on aquarium zoo… and this “news” feel me sad…
Danilo
http://www.DaniReef.com
It is really sad news and something all Zoos should learn from. You have to have a hands off approach, otherwise you risk the lives of animals in the water.