WICHITA, KS – Stingray Cove, a temporary interactive attraction at Sedgwick County Zoo, will conclude its run on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, as its five-year contract with Living Exhibits concludes. The stingrays will be retained in the Living Exhibits’ collection and moved to other partner institutions.
Since opening in 2021, Stingray Cove has been one of the Zoo’s most popular seasonal attractions, offering guests the opportunity to touch and feed cownose and Southern stingrays while inspiring thousands of visitors to connect more deeply with ocean wildlife and conservation.
The success of Stingray Cove has proven that a permanent stingray habitat would be a welcome addition to the Zoo, which is included in a future phase of development under its master plan.
“The partnership with Stingray Cove was very popular and well-received, but it was always intended to be a temporary experience,” says Scott Newland, President & CEO of Sedgwick County Zoo. “We know that our community would like to see them stay, but in order to have stingrays permanently, we first need to build a facility that can house them safely year-round, rather than an outdoor, seasonal space.”
To commemorate Stingray Cove’s final weekend, Sedgwick County Zoo will offer half-price Zoo admission Friday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
Entry into Stingray Cove is free with Zoo admission and Stingray Feedings can be purchased with an Attraction Ticket. For more information about Stingray Cove and to plan your Zoo visit, go to scz.org.
