Ray Reef is a ray exhibit located at the Sea World theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The exhibit opened on 14 January 2009.
Overview
Ray Reef consists of a large lagoon pool and a smaller pool that together house more than 100 rays. The area is covered by large shade cloths that provide shade for both guests and the rays. The lagoon is divided in two by a rock wall: the smaller pool contains smaller ray species, while the larger pool contains larger species.
Species
Species within the exhibit include:
- Eagle rays
- Bluespotted stingrays (Neotrygon kuhlii)
- Estuary stingrays
- Giant shovelnose rays
Guests can purchase fish to hand-feed the rays for a set fee. Educational billboards around the main lagoon provide information about rays and their environment.
History
Following the closure and removal of the Thrillseeker roller coaster in May 2002, several proposals were made for the site. From 2006 to 2008, the site was home to the temporary Sea World Eye observation wheel. After its removal, a hippopotamus attraction was proposed but not built. In September 2008, construction began on a ray exhibit, and by October the name "Ray Reef" was announced. Originally scheduled to open on Boxing Day 2008 (26 December 2008), delays pushed the opening to 14 January 2009.
Design and Accessibility
The exhibit was designed by Sea World and is wheelchair accessible. It replaced the Thrillseeker roller coaster (1981–2002) and the Sea World Eye (2006–2008).
