Nicholas Meets a Stingray

As often happens, we needed something to fill the time after nap and before dinner. A new exhibit had just opened up at the zoo, so we decided to check it out. After our fantastic time in Indianapolis petting the sharks, we figured petting sting rays was right up our alley.

Nicholas led the way. For some reason some animals had to come with us. Which just meant that I had to hold them later.

Prewashing up to the elbows...

And there they were! There were two species. The smaller ones that seem to love being pet, and the larger ones that stuck pretty close to the bottom. I was the only one who managed to pet one of the bottom dwellers, being the longest-armed of the three of us.

It was so cute when Nicholas first got near the water. He remembered from Indianapolis about only touching with two fingers, so he went right into position. Then a gentleman who worked at the exhibit came by and told us we needed to use a flat hand rather than fingers. So much for being experienced marine petters!

Charlotte took one pet, then was very content to dogsit.

It was feeding time! For the low, low price of $1, I bought some food for Nicholas to feed to the rays.

The same very nice gentleman gave Nicholas feeding instruction: Palm up with fish held between his fingers sticking up.

Then disaster struck. For those who don't know, the stingray's mouth is on the underside of its body. So it basically has to swim on top of your hand to nibble at the fish food. Nicholas wasn't exactly prepared for this and freaked out when it went over his hand. He swung his hand away, which in turn freaked out the ray...who decided to raise both it's wings and douse Nicholas in water. He was shocked and very, very wet! He just backed away from the water in total silence and told me I could do the other fish food myself. Poor guy! Luckily he was consoled by a quick ride around the zoo on the train. I think we'll stick to just petting next time!