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By Polly Mosendz
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Dozens of stingrays died at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago after a malfunction in their tank's oxygen level control system.
In total, 54 stingrays perished when the oxygen levels fell on Friday afternoon. It took about 20 minutes for the levels in their water to be returned to normal, but the damage had already been done. Although an official necropsy has not been performed on any of the stingrays, lack of oxygen is likely to be ruled the cause of death.
"It's just an incredibly unfortunate accident," Bill Zeigler, Brookfield's senior vice president of animal programs, told the Chicago Sun Times. "The staff worked extremely hard, even some of our mammal keepers were in the water. Everyone is very bummed out about the whole thing."
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The zoo faced another stingray tragedy in 2008, when 16 of the creatures died after the temperature in their tank spiked to 89 degrees from 79. The animal-rights group PETA brought up that incident in its statement on last week's deaths:
At this point, 70 animals have died at the Brookfield Zoo as a result of malfunctions with their tank and it's time for them to close down their tank for good. Their lives are worth more than the cheap thrill of touching one of the these animals. Seeing wild animals in captivity teaches people nothing about the true nature of these animals. These are animals that live in the ocean and travel long distances.
PETA suggests those interested in stingrays read about them online and watch videos on the Internet.
A local high school student has started a petition to create "Stingray Bay Day."
"This tragedy shocked Chicagoland, and we mourn for the loss of the 54 brave stingrays. Therefore we petition the Mayor of Chicago, the Representative for Brookfield, Illinois, and the Governor of Illinois, to recognize and observe Stingray Bay Day, to remember those stingrays, and to provide a greater understanding for the bond between man and ray," Joseph Miscimarra wrote on his online petition website.
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