JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the birth of its first Cownose Ray pup at Stingray Bay.
The exhibit has been open since 2009 but the rays had yet to produce offspring until this year when the zoo welcomed a male, Rocky, in early June.
Recommended Videos
"We are beyond thrilled for the birth of our Cownose Ray pup," said Hilary Register, Senior Stingray Bay Keeper. "The first 2 weeks of his life were critical as he was learning to swim properly and eat on his own. He is adjusting very well and is eating like a champ! We are building a bond with him, and he is already swimming in between our legs and staying close to our feet. We couldn't be more proud of the progress he is making!"
Usually only one pup is born each year, averaging about a foot in width at birth. Newborns have a mortality rate of 30% in the wild, but are born with a barb ready for protection, since they do not receive any maternal care. Cownose Rays produce eggs that hatch and develop inside the mother's body, according to the Jacksonville Zoo.
Rocky is on display at the Jacksonville Zoo's Stingray Bay exhibit every day.
Click here for more information about the zoo.