Parasite claims stingray at Calgary Zoo

Last Updated: Sunday, February 1, 2009 2:54 PM MT Comments23Recommend25

CBC News

A new stingray at the Calgary Zoo has died of a parasite, less than a year after the unexplained death of 41 rays.

Ten new stingrays delivered to the zoo in December came with a parasite that causes skin discolouration, said zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron.

"Most people that have aquariums know that occasionally you have to treat for parasites," she told CBC News on Sunday. "There's a number of different, common ones and it's probably not unlike deworming your dog or cat. They pick up these parasites and you have to try to get rid of them."

The ray that died a few days ago was in particularly bad shape when it arrived, Herron said."

Because of its weakened state, it ended up not being able to cope with the parasite, but as far as I know ,the treatments are working and they're treating the other rays daily, and everybody else seems to be doing OK.

"The zoo reopened the stingray exhibit last month after the sudden deaths of 41 of 43 stingrays in May. Despite an investigation, zoo officials could not find a conclusive cause of death.

The original display was designed for visitors to touch the rays, but that was abandoned when the exhibit reopened.

Earlier this month, a two-year-old male Turkmenian markhor, a type of wild goat, died in an accident at the zoo when the animal became entangled in a toy.