"Critter Corner" features our two touch tanks: a warm water stingray tank and a cold water sturgeon tank. These fresh water stingrays are found in the Amazon River while the lake sturgeon are native to the Great Lakes. Be sure to stop and see what these fish feel like!

Other residents of this exhibit space include a black-billed magpie, eastern fox snake, and ball python. Magpies are most commonly found west of the Rockies. Groups or "tidings" of magpies have also been sighted here in the Midwest. This intelligent bird is related to crows and ravens and is kept busy with a variety of enrichment games and toys. He is a natural mimic and just may say "Good Morning" to you while you visit.

The reptiles found in Critter Corner make appearances during GLA classes and the daily Creature Feature interpretive floor program. Fox snakes are found throughout the Midwest while the ball python is a native to Northern Africa.

Stingrays are infamous for their method of self-defense. No need to worry though, we routinely clip the stingrays' barbs so they are safe for you to touch.


You can see us feed the stingrays at our daily program! (4:00 pm everyday except for Wednesdays)