Press Release Archive

Contact:           Aimee Yamamori, Director of Public Relations

                        (602) 273-1341 ext. 7422 or pager (602) 223-8222

Date:                December 3, 2007

NEW BABIES SWIMMING AT STINGRAY BAY

The Phoenix Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of five stingray babies in the Zoo's newest exhibit, Stingray Bay. Information from other zoos and aquariums would indicate these exciting arrivals represent a record number of cownose stingray born in captivity over a period of only a few days.  The five babies were discovered by keepers the morning after they were born, between November 25 and November 30, 2007.

There is little documentation regarding the nature and success of cownose stingray reproduction outside of wild environments, but the Zoo is hopeful that the five pups will continue to thrive over the next few weeks. 

The newborn rays, known as pups, are about six inches wide, are thin in proportion to the adult, and come out folded like a newspaper. Once they are born, the young pups are immediately on their own. Cownose stingrays are ovoviviparous, which means the animals develop within eggs that remain within the mothers body until they hatch, where "live" offspring are born. Their gestation period has not been confirmed. They may have one long gestation period of 11 to12 months or two separate five to six month gestation periods in one year; the evidence is inconclusive. They usually give birth to just one pup that is nine to 15 inches across.

Visitors are welcome to come and view the new additions to the family at Stingray Bay. While touching is usually encouraged in this environment, visitors will be asked to observe-- but not handle-- the new pups until they are more adapted to their brand new home. Admission to Stingray Bay is $2 for non- Zoo members and $1 for members. For more information please visit our website at phoenixzoo.org.

The Phoenix Zoo's mission is to inspire people to live in ways that promote the well-being of the natural world. We will achieve excellence in ecosystem exhibition, education and conservation and will be a principal attraction for residents and visitors.