uShaka Sea World celebrates the birth and release of thorntail ray pups

Excitement bubbled at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) as they celebrated a remarkable event at uShaka Sea World.

Their Open Ocean aquarium exhibit welcomed the birth of three healthy thorntail ray pups, with two females and one male. The pups were released on Tuesday morning following their birth overnight in the exhibit. 

Saambr spokesperson Ann Kunz said the aquarium houses a group of three adult animals: two females and one male. Their weights vary, falling between 90 and 130 kilograms.

“Although we knew that the mom was heavily pregnant and that the birth was imminent, it was still a wonderful surprise to see the strong and healthy trio swimming around the exhibit this morning (Tuesday),” Kunz said. 

“The newborn rays are miniature replicas of the adult animals, with one notable difference: each pup has a small, white, fleshy, rounded tip on its barb.”

Kunz explained that this characteristic feature, found in newborn rays, is a natural adaptation that protects the mother from injury during the birthing process. 

She said thorntail ray pups are born with sufficient internal food reserves and are fully independent from birth. 

Kunz stated that, in line with best practices, Saambr releases pups within 24 hours of birth.

“Before the release, all three pups were thoroughly assessed by Saambr’s animal health team and were given a clean bill of health.”

She said the ideal release site for thorntail ray pups is the beach in front of the Durban Undersea Club. This area is relatively sheltered, providing a rich natural food source, especially crustaceans, which constitute a significant portion of the species’ diet.

Kunz added that, as a vulnerable species, thorntail rays are among the larger ray species and can reach weights of up to 200kg. They are found along the KwaZulu-Natal coast in summer and frequently gather in sheltered areas off the Durban beachfront.

Early last year, uShaka Sea World aquarists released six thorntail stingray pups born in the Open Ocean Exhibit. 

Before their release, each animal was thoroughly examined — measured, weighed, and checked— and given a clean bill of health by their veterinarian.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za