Discover the world of rays: secrets from the Leipzig zoo!

Discover the world of rays: secrets from the Leipzig zoo!

In the Leipzig Zoo, there is always something new to discover, and this time everything revolves around a mysterious creature of the underwater world. The popular podcast for the MDR documentary soap "Elefant, Tiger & Co." inspires the audience with exciting stories from everyday zoo life. In a recent episode, the fascinating life of the rays is illuminated, which appear both gracefully and dangerous and zookeeper Andreas Seeger are answered.

The podcast has successfully developed over the past two years and takes the listeners behind the scenes of the zoo. Andreas Seeger, who takes care of the underwater dwellers in the Leipzig zoo, describes the flowing movements of the rays, which act like flying in the water. "It looks like they are flying under water," says Podcast moderator Christian Steyer and emphasizes that not all rays are the same. There are flying open water rays and those that prefer the soil.

look at the variety of rays

rays can be found in many variants and shapes, and they can be roughly divided into two main categories: the freshwater rays that are native to Asia and South America, and the varied sea rays. A look at the nature of Germany shows that you are looking for these animals in vain; Instead, it is advisable to visit the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or the panoramic tanks in the Leipzig Zoo. In this special pool, the open water rays embody the image of weightlessness, which amazes visitors.

Christian describes the rays as animals whose bodies look “like a big plate”, which gives them a mysterious flair. Interestingly, rays are less oriented towards their eyes, but use a pronounced side line organ to perceive wave movements in the water. This ability makes them impressive hunters, even if they appear as peaceful beings.

potential of danger

The peaceful appearance of the rays is, however, deceptive, because each of them wears a sting that is poisonous depending on the species. The Leopolds-Stechrochen, which is located in the historic founder garden of the Leipzig Zoo, is particularly dangerous. This area of the zoo, which was launched in 1878, offers the animal species an impressive home. The zoo currently has four full -grown Leopolds Stechrochen in its panoramic tackling.