Following their safe delivery at the uShaka Sea World Open Ocean aquarium exhibit, three thorntail ray pups have happily begun their journey into the big blue sea!
Durban, South Africa (16 January 2026) – The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) team is celebrating a tiny triple-threat of cuteness. One of their resident female thorntail rays gave birth to three healthy pups overnight in the uShaka Sea World Open Ocean aquarium exhibit this week!
Early Tuesday morning, the SAAMBR Aquarists successfully released the trio, two girls and one boy, into their new home.
“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,” the SAAMBR shared.
According to the organisation, 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. This natural adaptation prevents injury to the mother during the birthing process and is a characteristic feature of newborn rays.
Because thorntail ray pups are born with sufficient internal food reserve and are fully independent from birth, the SAAMBR released them within 24 hours of birth, in line with best practice.
All three little ones were thoroughly assessed by the animal health team and were given a clean bill of health before release.
“Thorntail rays are considered a vulnerable species. They are one of the larger ray species and can achieve weights of up to 200kg. They are present along the KZN coast in summer and often congregate in sheltered areas off the Durban beachfront.”
The pups were released in front of the Durban Undersea Club, as it presents the ideal site for these marine creatures.
“The area is relatively sheltered and offers an abundant natural food supply, particularly crustaceans, which form an important part of the species’ diet.”
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