Just in time for Mother's Day, two spotted eagle rays were born at Discovery Cove. They are the first babies of proud parents Nerina and Apollo.
Right after their birth, veterinary and zoological teams performed a neonatal wellness exam, and they’ve been giving the pups around-the-clock care ever since.
Spotted eagle rays are a threatened marine species that is part of the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Rays are members of the fish family. Spotted eagle rays are recognizable for their flat, wide bodies and polka-dot patterns. Just as fingerprints are unique to humans, the spotted configurations are unique to each of these rays.
“The exciting birth of these eagle ray pups demonstrates our company’s commitment to conservation and species survival efforts,” said Kyle Miller, President of Discovery Cove Orlando. “I’m very proud of our animal care specialists and veterinary team for developing leading-edge reproductive health expertise, technologies and capabilities."
In a statement, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums commended Discovery Cove for its efforts to save rays from extinction.
Miller said he looks forward to watching the pups grow and thrive.
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