On July 10th, 54 southern and cow-nose stingrays died as a result of low oxygen levels at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois. Stingray Bay was a popular attraction at the zoo, which allowed visitors to pet the stingrays, and showed the world that stingrays are just as friendly and intriguing as other animals. 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.

Disclaimer: I am not putting the blame on Brookfield Zoo. Stingray Bay Day is strictly a memorial day. This was purely an accident, and I hope that Brookfield Zoo will embrace Stingray Bay Day in a way that promotes care and knowledge of these beautiful animals.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Sun-Times.