For several decades, Shedd’s animal teams have cared for 12 species of stingrays, including the group of cownose rays that have been part of our Stingray Touch experience. It was 2012 when cownose rays joined Shedd Aquarium to help visitors look nature in the eye. Every summer since these rays arrived at Shedd, hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the natural grace and wonder of these magnificent creatures from another world—our world beneath the waves. Each winter our cownose rays, like many Chicagoans, retreat indoors. Over each winter, our expert animal care team oversees the health and welfare of the rays.
We are deeply disheartened to report that about six weeks ago the team noticed some odd behavior in a few animals during routine clinical and welfare checkups. After extensive monitoring and analysis of our life support systems and water analysis, as well as daily care parameters, the team found nothing unusual.
In late January, we lost many cownose rays from this population and immediately began comprehensive investigations to determine a cause. We reviewed all areas of operations from the time the rays came indoors through our first loss. We examined the external environment, water, food and history. We used every tool of discovery at our disposal, and we reached out to the most informed external experts. Our Animal Health team consulted with veterinarians and animal care experts across the nation, including colleagues among the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
“The great privilege of caring for extraordinary animals that allows AZA-accredited zoo and aquariums like Shedd Aquarium to connect people to the living world also comes with the great responsibility and recognition that at times the natural world will challenge us with something yet to be discovered,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. “It’s in these times that our members can look to and lean on a community of 233 peer facilities across North America for the best minds, resources and information possible. Every attempt we make to further scientific knowledge and shared understanding about the living world is another step forward in finding long-term solutions toward saving animals from extinction.”
Our colleagues offered helpful advice for a thorough investigation of all known possibilities for compromised health in cownose rays. We reached out to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coastal Studies and sent samples to them to test for biotoxin analyses. Samples sent to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine's Zoological Pathology Program (ZPP) were tested for bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic clues. According to their Chief of Science Dr. Karen Terio, “There was no evidence of anything infectious, contagious or inflammatory.”
We called on a local company with Chicago laboratories known for their expertise and innovation in water-quality testing and treatment. They also tested for the same parameters as the NOAA labs, along with many other factors.
And we consulted with colleagues at the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV). Our final investigative results arrived last week from NOAA. They found nothing conclusive. The local company consultant results arrived this week. They also found nothing conclusive.
“As healthcare stewards of animals that face unprecedented challenges, we have a long and trusted relationship of working with Shedd’s veterinary professionals to provide research, resources and continuing education that enhance the medical and health management and welfare of wildlife,” said Dr. Rob Hilsenroth, executive director of the AAZV. “Our goal is to attain optimal health for their animals, and it is our expert opinion that Shedd is doing all they can to conduct extensive analysis and research on this unusual case. While frustrating, we will all learn from this case, and hopefully it will contribute to our knowledge base and benefit aquarium and zoo animals everywhere.”
We came together as a Shedd internal community in February at our bimonthly staff-and-volunteer town hall meeting and shared with teams what happened and our diligent pursuit of answers. And now that we know more, we are sharing it with you—our online community of nature advocates—as we have done many times before when the circle of life is at matter. Whether our recent involvement in a Bolivian river dolphin rescue, or with the hatching of penguin chick eggs, or when we said goodbye to Australian lungfish Grandad.
Currently we are midway into March, and our remaining cownose rays have stabilized under our expert clinical care.
We recognize our responsibility to care for all creatures with the utmost respect and to the best of our abilities. This incident is one that we and our colleagues around the globe will learn from to ensure that any new knowledge gained contributes to our ongoing care for all aquatic animals.
Looking nature in the eye brings with it wonder, curiosity and compassion. Our team’s capacity for compassionate care stretched beyond the normal—and extraordinary—usual measures. Thank you for the outpouring of support and well wishes for our team and the precious animals in our care.